B.C. Bolt's Blog, page 57
October 23, 2011
Envious Pursuit
Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long. Proverbs 23:17
Have you ever been envious of others? While it may not be something dramatic as wealth, looks or popularity, we at times envy others for even the smallest of things. And while it may start out as a simple notice of the enticement, before long it is all-consuming. Your thoughts become obsessed with trying to figure out how to obtain the elusive goal. And your actions mimic those of the lucky one that posseses the elusive goal. Eventually (I hope), we get beyond the desire of the item and move on.
But look closely at your actions when you are consumed with envy - your thoughts and actions are focused on the item of desire. What a shame that we can not dedicate such effort to loving the Lord! We often only give a token nod toward God in the morning during our prayer and, if He is lucky, a quick devotional. Why can we not be consumed with Him all day? He desires the focus of our attention all the day long. And the reward is everlasting - not a short-lived gratification from a passing fancy of our dreams. His reward is life everlasting - what a better object to become obsessed with!
Have you ever been envious of others? While it may not be something dramatic as wealth, looks or popularity, we at times envy others for even the smallest of things. And while it may start out as a simple notice of the enticement, before long it is all-consuming. Your thoughts become obsessed with trying to figure out how to obtain the elusive goal. And your actions mimic those of the lucky one that posseses the elusive goal. Eventually (I hope), we get beyond the desire of the item and move on.
But look closely at your actions when you are consumed with envy - your thoughts and actions are focused on the item of desire. What a shame that we can not dedicate such effort to loving the Lord! We often only give a token nod toward God in the morning during our prayer and, if He is lucky, a quick devotional. Why can we not be consumed with Him all day? He desires the focus of our attention all the day long. And the reward is everlasting - not a short-lived gratification from a passing fancy of our dreams. His reward is life everlasting - what a better object to become obsessed with!
October 22, 2011
The Fire Triangle
Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease. Proverbs 22:10
We all know that in order for a fire to exist, all three legs of the Fire Triangle must exist: fuel, heat and oxygen. Remove one and the fire goes out. Solomon provides a reverse type of triangle above: with a scorner present, you will experience contention, strife and reproach. Remove the scorner and you will remove the triangle of pain and frustration.
While we try to include everyone and show compassion to all, there comes a time when we need to recognize the benefits of an individual are not more valuable than the benefits of the group. While we strive to share God's message to everyone, it is obvious when a scorner doesn't believe. Nothing you can do or say will change their mind. The only solution is to walk away from the contention. Remove yourself and the strife will cease.
We all know that in order for a fire to exist, all three legs of the Fire Triangle must exist: fuel, heat and oxygen. Remove one and the fire goes out. Solomon provides a reverse type of triangle above: with a scorner present, you will experience contention, strife and reproach. Remove the scorner and you will remove the triangle of pain and frustration.
While we try to include everyone and show compassion to all, there comes a time when we need to recognize the benefits of an individual are not more valuable than the benefits of the group. While we strive to share God's message to everyone, it is obvious when a scorner doesn't believe. Nothing you can do or say will change their mind. The only solution is to walk away from the contention. Remove yourself and the strife will cease.
October 21, 2011
Camping on the Roof
It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house. Proverbs 21:9
I enjoy going camping and roughing it in the woods. But the mental image described in this verse of living on the roof top is almost preposterous. Where would you cook? Or take a bath? And I am sure, changing into pajamas would be quite a challenge on a sloping roof. It just doesn't make sense, does it?
Neither does quarreling with your spouse. Neither one invokes comfort or something you look forward to coming home to after a long day at work. I took the liberty of educating myself from the bible dictionary of the definition of brawling: a quarrelsome manner or to dispute violently or loud and aggressively.
While disagreements are expected between two people, brawls or quarrels are not. They do not resolve the situation, but simply increase the anger and frustration experienced by both sides. And violent arguments set a perfect example to our children on how not to behave! As Solomon points out, no house is big enough for the two of you when you are angry with one another!
Paul provides us admonitions on Christian living in Colossians 3:12-25 with special guidance to spouses in verses 18 and 19. Paul describes this love by the husband similar to that of Jesus loving the church. If we are Christians and we strive to follow his Word, it is difficult for a disagreement to erupt into a quarrel! Look closely at Colossians 3:13 - Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. Nothing my wife could ever do can compare to the magnitude of sins that Jesus forgave me. How can I not forgive the disagreements over the color of a new sofa, dinner guest lists or finances? They pale in comparison to the forgiveness that Christ has shown for me.
If you are tempted to elevate your disagreement to a full-blown WWF event, pause and think what are the results of your efforts? I do not desire to sleep on the roof! Instead, sincerely say three little words that will guarantee you will sleep in the bed and not on the roof: "I forgive you"
I enjoy going camping and roughing it in the woods. But the mental image described in this verse of living on the roof top is almost preposterous. Where would you cook? Or take a bath? And I am sure, changing into pajamas would be quite a challenge on a sloping roof. It just doesn't make sense, does it?
Neither does quarreling with your spouse. Neither one invokes comfort or something you look forward to coming home to after a long day at work. I took the liberty of educating myself from the bible dictionary of the definition of brawling: a quarrelsome manner or to dispute violently or loud and aggressively.
While disagreements are expected between two people, brawls or quarrels are not. They do not resolve the situation, but simply increase the anger and frustration experienced by both sides. And violent arguments set a perfect example to our children on how not to behave! As Solomon points out, no house is big enough for the two of you when you are angry with one another!
Paul provides us admonitions on Christian living in Colossians 3:12-25 with special guidance to spouses in verses 18 and 19. Paul describes this love by the husband similar to that of Jesus loving the church. If we are Christians and we strive to follow his Word, it is difficult for a disagreement to erupt into a quarrel! Look closely at Colossians 3:13 - Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. Nothing my wife could ever do can compare to the magnitude of sins that Jesus forgave me. How can I not forgive the disagreements over the color of a new sofa, dinner guest lists or finances? They pale in comparison to the forgiveness that Christ has shown for me.
If you are tempted to elevate your disagreement to a full-blown WWF event, pause and think what are the results of your efforts? I do not desire to sleep on the roof! Instead, sincerely say three little words that will guarantee you will sleep in the bed and not on the roof: "I forgive you"
October 20, 2011
No Higher Honor
It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling. Proverbs 20:3
As a U.S. Navy retiree, the term "honor" is held as one of the Navy's core values. It is defined as: "to conduct ourselves in the highest ethical manner in all relationships with peers, superiors and subordinates; Be honest and truthful in our dealings with each other, and with those outside the Navy." The old World War II movies invoke such an images of honor, courage and commitment. But has those values disappeared along with the old black and white movies? With today's tabloid exposure of inappropriate behavior in our military, government and public officials, it causes one to wonder if any true heroes still exist.
My answer is yes. However, you may have to turn off the Internet and television to find them. Many are sitting in the pew next to you each week. While they are not proclaimed on the news, there are still many Christians who follow Jesus's advice. Jesus defines how we should treat others in Matthew 5:38-48.
Living honorably is not for the faint-hearted. The temptation to "get even" burns within each of us and is human nature opposing God's will. And we can not do it alone. While many of us can withstand some of the strife in our life, none of us can endure all of the strife without His assistance.
But when we follow His will and turn away from strife - not only the individual taunting you but others around will see a hero. While many may call it intestinal fortitude, we all know that is comes from the Lord. And David sums it up so well in Psalms 29:11 - The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace. Not only does he give us strength to turn away from strife but He will bless us with peace!
As a U.S. Navy retiree, the term "honor" is held as one of the Navy's core values. It is defined as: "to conduct ourselves in the highest ethical manner in all relationships with peers, superiors and subordinates; Be honest and truthful in our dealings with each other, and with those outside the Navy." The old World War II movies invoke such an images of honor, courage and commitment. But has those values disappeared along with the old black and white movies? With today's tabloid exposure of inappropriate behavior in our military, government and public officials, it causes one to wonder if any true heroes still exist.
My answer is yes. However, you may have to turn off the Internet and television to find them. Many are sitting in the pew next to you each week. While they are not proclaimed on the news, there are still many Christians who follow Jesus's advice. Jesus defines how we should treat others in Matthew 5:38-48.
Living honorably is not for the faint-hearted. The temptation to "get even" burns within each of us and is human nature opposing God's will. And we can not do it alone. While many of us can withstand some of the strife in our life, none of us can endure all of the strife without His assistance.
But when we follow His will and turn away from strife - not only the individual taunting you but others around will see a hero. While many may call it intestinal fortitude, we all know that is comes from the Lord. And David sums it up so well in Psalms 29:11 - The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace. Not only does he give us strength to turn away from strife but He will bless us with peace!
October 19, 2011
The Price of Idle Chatter
A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape. Proverbs 19:5
We enjoy seeing people get punished. How often have you heard, "He got what was coming to him"? It makes us feel good when the evil get repayed for their dastardly deeds. And the verse above gives us a reason to swell in pride as we shake our bony finger at those who lie and connive to cheat others.
Before we get too carried away, perhaps we should see what Jesus has to say - But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. (Matthew 12:36-37) Notice, Jesus didn't require evil intentions for us to be responsible for our words. Any words, intentional or idle, will be accountable on the day of judgement.
We need to renew our focus on our words and deeds. Even if they are idle, they are a reflection of our heart. Are we reflecting human nature or God's love? We will be held accountable, so let's assure our actions reflect the One who lives within us.
We enjoy seeing people get punished. How often have you heard, "He got what was coming to him"? It makes us feel good when the evil get repayed for their dastardly deeds. And the verse above gives us a reason to swell in pride as we shake our bony finger at those who lie and connive to cheat others.
Before we get too carried away, perhaps we should see what Jesus has to say - But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. (Matthew 12:36-37) Notice, Jesus didn't require evil intentions for us to be responsible for our words. Any words, intentional or idle, will be accountable on the day of judgement.
We need to renew our focus on our words and deeds. Even if they are idle, they are a reflection of our heart. Are we reflecting human nature or God's love? We will be held accountable, so let's assure our actions reflect the One who lives within us.
October 18, 2011
Bully Protection
The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. Proverbs 18:10
No one likes a bully. They intimidate and strike unsuspecting people with no regards to the individual's situation. As a kid, I remember our school bully well. Clearly he had a "growth spurt" well beyond our years since he outweighed the rest of us guys by almost 2 to 1! While he was huge, he wasn't fast or agile. Our only security on the playground was the round cage of monkey bars - as long as you were inside, swinging from bar to bar, you were assured that he could not catch and pummel you. And the joy of the whistle signaling the end of recess! A quick dash got you in line under the teacher's watchful eye for protection.
Isn't life much like the bully? It has no regard for our situation but lashes out when we least suspect it. Financially (glasses for the kids), emotionally (losing a close friend) or career (guess who didn't get a raise) all reinforce the adage that "Life isn't fair". While we may recognize the truth in the adage, much like the little kid, there are times when we just can't take it any more. We have had enough. Every way we turn, there are new challenges and frustrations that seem insurmountable. We long for the whistle signaling the end of recess!
While there is no whistle for life, there is an escape. As Solomon points out above, when we run to Jesus, he is our protection. We are safe in his arms! Life continues to rage but we are protected by the Almighty. Are you tired of dodging the blows of life? Run to God and he will give you protection from the bully's of life!
No one likes a bully. They intimidate and strike unsuspecting people with no regards to the individual's situation. As a kid, I remember our school bully well. Clearly he had a "growth spurt" well beyond our years since he outweighed the rest of us guys by almost 2 to 1! While he was huge, he wasn't fast or agile. Our only security on the playground was the round cage of monkey bars - as long as you were inside, swinging from bar to bar, you were assured that he could not catch and pummel you. And the joy of the whistle signaling the end of recess! A quick dash got you in line under the teacher's watchful eye for protection.
Isn't life much like the bully? It has no regard for our situation but lashes out when we least suspect it. Financially (glasses for the kids), emotionally (losing a close friend) or career (guess who didn't get a raise) all reinforce the adage that "Life isn't fair". While we may recognize the truth in the adage, much like the little kid, there are times when we just can't take it any more. We have had enough. Every way we turn, there are new challenges and frustrations that seem insurmountable. We long for the whistle signaling the end of recess!
While there is no whistle for life, there is an escape. As Solomon points out above, when we run to Jesus, he is our protection. We are safe in his arms! Life continues to rage but we are protected by the Almighty. Are you tired of dodging the blows of life? Run to God and he will give you protection from the bully's of life!
October 17, 2011
Medicine for the Heart
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. Proverbs 17:22
As a child, I hated taking medicine. Unfortunately, I am no better as an adult. But we all are knowledgeable of the benefits of today's medical breakthroughs and the benefits of properly taking prescribed medications. They can prevent or cure a myriad of aches, pains and diseases. It is almost miraculous the effects of just a few doses.
Such is the case of the merry heart: it can overcome life's challenges in a miraculous way. Solomon compares it to deathly, dried-up bones of a broken spirit. We have all experienced both ends of the spectrum. When we are broken, nothing seems to matter and blessings are not recognized. However, when our hearts are bursting with happiness, all seems well within the world and nothing can seem to keep us down. For me, I choose the latter! However, wishing for a merry heart is not enough - it takes daily effort to achieve such a phenomenal experience.
David gives us excellent advice on how to keep a merry heart in Psalms 16: 8-11: I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
One of the key concepts of David is that he keeps the Lord before him always. Similar to taking medication daily, it is with continual presence before God that we obtain the merry heart and rejoice in hope. It is not from the pleasure drugs of the world but from God's presence, that our spirits are lifted and we are filled with hope. Are you short on hope and long on despair today? Seek the One who has the perfect medicine for the heart!
As a child, I hated taking medicine. Unfortunately, I am no better as an adult. But we all are knowledgeable of the benefits of today's medical breakthroughs and the benefits of properly taking prescribed medications. They can prevent or cure a myriad of aches, pains and diseases. It is almost miraculous the effects of just a few doses.
Such is the case of the merry heart: it can overcome life's challenges in a miraculous way. Solomon compares it to deathly, dried-up bones of a broken spirit. We have all experienced both ends of the spectrum. When we are broken, nothing seems to matter and blessings are not recognized. However, when our hearts are bursting with happiness, all seems well within the world and nothing can seem to keep us down. For me, I choose the latter! However, wishing for a merry heart is not enough - it takes daily effort to achieve such a phenomenal experience.
David gives us excellent advice on how to keep a merry heart in Psalms 16: 8-11: I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
One of the key concepts of David is that he keeps the Lord before him always. Similar to taking medication daily, it is with continual presence before God that we obtain the merry heart and rejoice in hope. It is not from the pleasure drugs of the world but from God's presence, that our spirits are lifted and we are filled with hope. Are you short on hope and long on despair today? Seek the One who has the perfect medicine for the heart!
October 16, 2011
The Stumbling Block to Sin
Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. Proverbs 16:3
We have often struggled with trying to determine if something is sinful or not. We often try to justify or excuse our actions based upon tolerance, social trends or interpretations. Solomon gives us an excellent tool to determine if something tips the scales in the wrong direction. If we commit our actions to the Lord, it will be readily apparent when we are going against his will!
Can you imagine praying "Lord bless me while I cheat my customers" or "Lord bless me while I humiliate my enemy today"? It is obvious God's blessing and such actions are not compatible. So is the same with all sinful actions. If we submit our every act to God's will, we will no longer have to wonder if we are sinning or not: He will establish our thoughts as promised above.
Is God pleased with your actions today? Have you committed your thoughts and deeds to Him? If so, His pleasure will be a stumbling block to sin.
We have often struggled with trying to determine if something is sinful or not. We often try to justify or excuse our actions based upon tolerance, social trends or interpretations. Solomon gives us an excellent tool to determine if something tips the scales in the wrong direction. If we commit our actions to the Lord, it will be readily apparent when we are going against his will!
Can you imagine praying "Lord bless me while I cheat my customers" or "Lord bless me while I humiliate my enemy today"? It is obvious God's blessing and such actions are not compatible. So is the same with all sinful actions. If we submit our every act to God's will, we will no longer have to wonder if we are sinning or not: He will establish our thoughts as promised above.
Is God pleased with your actions today? Have you committed your thoughts and deeds to Him? If so, His pleasure will be a stumbling block to sin.
October 15, 2011
The Feast of Love
Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith. Proverbs 15:17
When many think of love, they see the commercialized vision of Valentine's Day: roses, candy, candle-lit dinner and sparkling jewelry. Unfortunately, such an image creates another thought in my mind - dollar signs! Love is not measured by the size or cost of gifts. Rather, Paul uses different metrics of measurement in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 - long suffering, kind, not envious, doesn't behave unseemly, not easily provoked, thinks no evil, rejoices in truth, bears all things, hopes all things and endures all things.
As Solomon and Paul point out, wealth or cost of gifts is not a measure of love. Rather, it is a measure of how much we give of ourselves to others. Paul's description challenges me in verse 7 with the fact that it is not a matter of convenience. Rather in ALL things, love bears, hopes and endures. What a perfect image of Christ - he loves us always, no matter what.
Can we say the same of our love for our spouses and children? Do we love them no matter what? Have we demonstrated our love in action vice gifts? So, instead of the fancy dinner tonight, why not serve up a simple meal with heaping servings of true love? Listen, share, care and prayer. Everyone will leave the table satisfied with a smile on their face!
When many think of love, they see the commercialized vision of Valentine's Day: roses, candy, candle-lit dinner and sparkling jewelry. Unfortunately, such an image creates another thought in my mind - dollar signs! Love is not measured by the size or cost of gifts. Rather, Paul uses different metrics of measurement in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 - long suffering, kind, not envious, doesn't behave unseemly, not easily provoked, thinks no evil, rejoices in truth, bears all things, hopes all things and endures all things.
As Solomon and Paul point out, wealth or cost of gifts is not a measure of love. Rather, it is a measure of how much we give of ourselves to others. Paul's description challenges me in verse 7 with the fact that it is not a matter of convenience. Rather in ALL things, love bears, hopes and endures. What a perfect image of Christ - he loves us always, no matter what.
Can we say the same of our love for our spouses and children? Do we love them no matter what? Have we demonstrated our love in action vice gifts? So, instead of the fancy dinner tonight, why not serve up a simple meal with heaping servings of true love? Listen, share, care and prayer. Everyone will leave the table satisfied with a smile on their face!
October 14, 2011
Sin's Payment
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Proverbs 14:12
We often try to justify our departure from being obedient to God. We have all heard and/or used the excuses of "everyone else is doing it", "I'll go but I won't participate" or "There is nothing wrong with ...". And many times, the risks seem minimal - at the beginning. It is only after getting hooked upon the act do we realize just how far we have strayed from God's will.
Jesus did not classify sin by size or severity (except one). In his teachings, sin was sin. So it is hard for us to justify how minimal an act of sin may be. Much like our relationships with our spouses, an act against them (big or small) breaks down the closeness you share in your relationship. You may try to justify your actions but the chasm is still there. There is only one way to close the gap with your spouse or your Master - forgiveness.
Why do we try to justify our actions? If we stop and recognize who is in control and ask for his assistance, he will assist us in resisting the temptations. "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7). If we stop justifying your actions and start submitting ourselves to Christ, we will not have to deal with the final payment!
We often try to justify our departure from being obedient to God. We have all heard and/or used the excuses of "everyone else is doing it", "I'll go but I won't participate" or "There is nothing wrong with ...". And many times, the risks seem minimal - at the beginning. It is only after getting hooked upon the act do we realize just how far we have strayed from God's will.
Jesus did not classify sin by size or severity (except one). In his teachings, sin was sin. So it is hard for us to justify how minimal an act of sin may be. Much like our relationships with our spouses, an act against them (big or small) breaks down the closeness you share in your relationship. You may try to justify your actions but the chasm is still there. There is only one way to close the gap with your spouse or your Master - forgiveness.
Why do we try to justify our actions? If we stop and recognize who is in control and ask for his assistance, he will assist us in resisting the temptations. "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7). If we stop justifying your actions and start submitting ourselves to Christ, we will not have to deal with the final payment!
