B.C. Bolt's Blog, page 58
October 13, 2011
What is Your Life Worth?
The ransom of a man's life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke. Proverbs 13:8
I laughed when I read that our body is worth approximately $4.50 (depending on stock market prices) for the minerals contained within our body. We could almost double our value, $3.50 additional, if we were to sale our skin as leather. Wow! For less than $10, we could buy a person! It is quite staggering to realize that no matter how wealthy an individual may be, his "body value" is pretty much the same as the beggar on the street corner.
So how are our riches measured? Solomon states that the ransom is measured by a man's riches. Is he referring to the bottom line of our balance sheet? Jesus measures our lives not against the balance sheet but how well we serve him.
And who is willing to pay such a ransom? Jesus tells us in Matthew 20:28 - Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. How do you measure the value of God's one and only son? For that is your worth. He gave his life a ransom for each and every one of us.
No matter how rich or poor we may be by earthly measure, our life's worth is measured by the death of Jesus on the cross. Paul encourages us in 1 Corinthians 6:20 - For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. Don't squander your value - use the life he has given you for his glory.
I laughed when I read that our body is worth approximately $4.50 (depending on stock market prices) for the minerals contained within our body. We could almost double our value, $3.50 additional, if we were to sale our skin as leather. Wow! For less than $10, we could buy a person! It is quite staggering to realize that no matter how wealthy an individual may be, his "body value" is pretty much the same as the beggar on the street corner.
So how are our riches measured? Solomon states that the ransom is measured by a man's riches. Is he referring to the bottom line of our balance sheet? Jesus measures our lives not against the balance sheet but how well we serve him.
And who is willing to pay such a ransom? Jesus tells us in Matthew 20:28 - Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. How do you measure the value of God's one and only son? For that is your worth. He gave his life a ransom for each and every one of us.
No matter how rich or poor we may be by earthly measure, our life's worth is measured by the death of Jesus on the cross. Paul encourages us in 1 Corinthians 6:20 - For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. Don't squander your value - use the life he has given you for his glory.
October 12, 2011
Foolish Groupies
He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding. Proverbs 12:11
I am often amazed to what extremes people will go in chasing after celebrities. People will squander their possessions and give their lives just to follow after some one that is famous. It is saddening to see people demean themselves to an individual who doesn't know or care about them and any brief encounter is quickly forgotten by the celebrity. I often wonder, why they can't see how foolish they look giving everything to some one that doesn't acknowledge their existence.
Sadly, we do the same thing with other facets in our life without recognizing it either. Our obsessions with wealth, political stature or simply a great golf score will cause us to make foolish choices with our lives. We sometimes choose to give up what is most important in our life simply in hopes of perfecting a goal. And if, or when, that goal is achieved, was it worth it? My father often spoke of a "healthy balance" in our choices. While the object of attraction may be innocent in normal situations, if obsessed, it can become debilitating to the rest of your life. We once had a neighbor who obsessed over his lawn - while normal care of the lawn is acceptable, he foresaked almost everything to simply have the "perfect lawn". Sadly, none of these goals listed above are everlasting - they all pass with time.
Wisdom and knowledge is the key to maintaining a "healthy balance" in our choices. David tells us "What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose." (Psalms 25:12)When we rely on God, he will direct our actions and our choices. Steer clear of following after vain people and flashy goals lest you be labeled foolish as well!
I am often amazed to what extremes people will go in chasing after celebrities. People will squander their possessions and give their lives just to follow after some one that is famous. It is saddening to see people demean themselves to an individual who doesn't know or care about them and any brief encounter is quickly forgotten by the celebrity. I often wonder, why they can't see how foolish they look giving everything to some one that doesn't acknowledge their existence.
Sadly, we do the same thing with other facets in our life without recognizing it either. Our obsessions with wealth, political stature or simply a great golf score will cause us to make foolish choices with our lives. We sometimes choose to give up what is most important in our life simply in hopes of perfecting a goal. And if, or when, that goal is achieved, was it worth it? My father often spoke of a "healthy balance" in our choices. While the object of attraction may be innocent in normal situations, if obsessed, it can become debilitating to the rest of your life. We once had a neighbor who obsessed over his lawn - while normal care of the lawn is acceptable, he foresaked almost everything to simply have the "perfect lawn". Sadly, none of these goals listed above are everlasting - they all pass with time.
Wisdom and knowledge is the key to maintaining a "healthy balance" in our choices. David tells us "What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose." (Psalms 25:12)When we rely on God, he will direct our actions and our choices. Steer clear of following after vain people and flashy goals lest you be labeled foolish as well!
October 11, 2011
A Peaceful Journey
The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. Proverbs 11:5
As a man, I fit the generalization that men hate to ask directions. I had rather drive an additional 25 miles than stop for directions. I know, it is a pride thing but it is just too humbling to admit I am lost! Many of us suffer the same challenge in the direction that our life is going. We are too prideful to acknowledge that we don't know where we are going in life.
As I have grown older and stronger in my walk with Christ, I am learning to follow vice trying to lead my life. When we give up our will to His will, the stress and worries fade. I am growing in the confidence that while I do not know where I will be in ten years, I can be confident that if I remain in His will for my life, it just won't matter. And the peace that comes from such trust makes it much easier on a daily basis to trust in Him. I no longer worry about being lost in my life's plan simply questioning am I following His will for my life?
Are you worried about what the future will bring? James gives us great advice in James 4:13-15. It puts our short life in a heavenly perspective. Have you truly committed your life to Him? Does Jesus have control? If so, it will truly be a peaceful journey.
As a man, I fit the generalization that men hate to ask directions. I had rather drive an additional 25 miles than stop for directions. I know, it is a pride thing but it is just too humbling to admit I am lost! Many of us suffer the same challenge in the direction that our life is going. We are too prideful to acknowledge that we don't know where we are going in life.
As I have grown older and stronger in my walk with Christ, I am learning to follow vice trying to lead my life. When we give up our will to His will, the stress and worries fade. I am growing in the confidence that while I do not know where I will be in ten years, I can be confident that if I remain in His will for my life, it just won't matter. And the peace that comes from such trust makes it much easier on a daily basis to trust in Him. I no longer worry about being lost in my life's plan simply questioning am I following His will for my life?
Are you worried about what the future will bring? James gives us great advice in James 4:13-15. It puts our short life in a heavenly perspective. Have you truly committed your life to Him? Does Jesus have control? If so, it will truly be a peaceful journey.
October 10, 2011
No Strings Attached
The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. Proverbs 10:22
I am often suspicious of "good deals". Normally, something that seems to be to-good-to-be-true is usually not true. Hidden costs and commitments result in frustrations that take away any pleasure obtained with the free goods.
The Lord's blessing are right the opposite - they are unwarrented and truly free. When I try to explain to non-believers, they feel that there is a catch. Why? Because they only have wordly experience to base their judgement on. When I explain that the biggest gift he ever gave us was His son and we only have to believe to receive, they are hesitant.
I am convinced that you must first be a believer in Christ in order to truly appreciate his blessings. David supports the theory in Psalms 34:8 - O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. It is only after trusting in God are you able to fully recognize the many blessing he bestows upon us.
How have you been blessed today? Share your joys with other believers and they too will be blessed!
I am often suspicious of "good deals". Normally, something that seems to be to-good-to-be-true is usually not true. Hidden costs and commitments result in frustrations that take away any pleasure obtained with the free goods.
The Lord's blessing are right the opposite - they are unwarrented and truly free. When I try to explain to non-believers, they feel that there is a catch. Why? Because they only have wordly experience to base their judgement on. When I explain that the biggest gift he ever gave us was His son and we only have to believe to receive, they are hesitant.
I am convinced that you must first be a believer in Christ in order to truly appreciate his blessings. David supports the theory in Psalms 34:8 - O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. It is only after trusting in God are you able to fully recognize the many blessing he bestows upon us.
How have you been blessed today? Share your joys with other believers and they too will be blessed!
October 9, 2011
Acknowledging Weakness
Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Proverbs 9:4
Solomon describes an invitation from wisdom above. One thing that continues to strike me about the verse is that it requires us to acknowledge our weaknesses. The invitation is not for those who think they are wise and understanding. Too often, we think we have innate abilities to handle situations on our own. Unfortunately, we don't. And we fail to recognize our weakness until we have made a mess of the situation and cry out for assistance in undoing our mistakes.
When we truly commit our lives to Christ and give Him control, we should no longer try to do things our way. We have to submit to His will which requires us to acknowledge our weakness and allow Him to lead us.
We are all familiar with Psalms 23. Have you noticed the precursors to the blessings? Being led by the Lord! (Psalms 23:2-3). We can only win when we give control to God. Acknowledge your weaknesses to Him and allow Him to lead you to greater blessings!
Solomon describes an invitation from wisdom above. One thing that continues to strike me about the verse is that it requires us to acknowledge our weaknesses. The invitation is not for those who think they are wise and understanding. Too often, we think we have innate abilities to handle situations on our own. Unfortunately, we don't. And we fail to recognize our weakness until we have made a mess of the situation and cry out for assistance in undoing our mistakes.
When we truly commit our lives to Christ and give Him control, we should no longer try to do things our way. We have to submit to His will which requires us to acknowledge our weakness and allow Him to lead us.
We are all familiar with Psalms 23. Have you noticed the precursors to the blessings? Being led by the Lord! (Psalms 23:2-3). We can only win when we give control to God. Acknowledge your weaknesses to Him and allow Him to lead you to greater blessings!
October 8, 2011
Eternal Durability
Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. Proverbs 8:18
I am terrible with keeping New Year's resolutions and diets. While my intentions are good, I lack the ability to sustain the effort for an extended period of time. I often wonder what percentage of New Year's resolutions are maintained to the next New Years? Very few, I would imagine. The same is true for many of our good intentions toward others. We become distracted, frustrated or busy with other tasks and lose focus on our intentions.
Solomon uses the term "durable" to describe the riches, honor and righteousness associated with gaining God's wisdom. He doesn't mean it will be out of style next year, wear out in a few months or lose value in years to come. These benefits are eternal, never fading or wearing out. What a comfort to know that God's gifts last beyond our life here on earth! Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:33 - "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
I am encouraged in knowing that these gifts are provided not by my ability to keep my resolutions but rather by acknowledging my weakness. When I quit trying to do things on my own and give control to God, he will take care of the rest. He empowers us when we surrender to His will. And the results are much longer lasting than any resolution of my own!
I am terrible with keeping New Year's resolutions and diets. While my intentions are good, I lack the ability to sustain the effort for an extended period of time. I often wonder what percentage of New Year's resolutions are maintained to the next New Years? Very few, I would imagine. The same is true for many of our good intentions toward others. We become distracted, frustrated or busy with other tasks and lose focus on our intentions.
Solomon uses the term "durable" to describe the riches, honor and righteousness associated with gaining God's wisdom. He doesn't mean it will be out of style next year, wear out in a few months or lose value in years to come. These benefits are eternal, never fading or wearing out. What a comfort to know that God's gifts last beyond our life here on earth! Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:33 - "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
I am encouraged in knowing that these gifts are provided not by my ability to keep my resolutions but rather by acknowledging my weakness. When I quit trying to do things on my own and give control to God, he will take care of the rest. He empowers us when we surrender to His will. And the results are much longer lasting than any resolution of my own!
October 7, 2011
Family Reunion
Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman: Proverbs 7:4
We all have relatives that we wish we did not have to admit that we knew or, worse, acknowledge we are related. You know the ones I am talking about - the obnoxiously loud (in voice and attire), the bum (still at 40), and the criminal (finally got caught!). Yes, we all have them. And yes, we all wish we didn't.
But there are other relatives that bring a smile to our face when we think of them. They mentor and share their knowledge and bounty with you without discretion. I still remember the camping and fishing trips, the fresh-out-of-the-oven tea cakes, driving an ancient John Deere tractor, trapping beavers and hunting arrow heads. While none of these memories involve great amounts of money, all of them show an investment. My relatives were willing to share their time (and patience) to teach me many of the items that helped shape who I became.
And the same is true with our relatives listed in the verse above. When we welcome them into our lives like our favorite relatives, wisdom and knowledge will freely share their bounty. Their insights will shape our character and guide us in Christian living. Why don't you invite them over for a visit? Spending a few hours visiting via the word of God will deliver gifts that have eternal blessings!
We all have relatives that we wish we did not have to admit that we knew or, worse, acknowledge we are related. You know the ones I am talking about - the obnoxiously loud (in voice and attire), the bum (still at 40), and the criminal (finally got caught!). Yes, we all have them. And yes, we all wish we didn't.
But there are other relatives that bring a smile to our face when we think of them. They mentor and share their knowledge and bounty with you without discretion. I still remember the camping and fishing trips, the fresh-out-of-the-oven tea cakes, driving an ancient John Deere tractor, trapping beavers and hunting arrow heads. While none of these memories involve great amounts of money, all of them show an investment. My relatives were willing to share their time (and patience) to teach me many of the items that helped shape who I became.
And the same is true with our relatives listed in the verse above. When we welcome them into our lives like our favorite relatives, wisdom and knowledge will freely share their bounty. Their insights will shape our character and guide us in Christian living. Why don't you invite them over for a visit? Spending a few hours visiting via the word of God will deliver gifts that have eternal blessings!
October 6, 2011
Piercing the Darkness
For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: Proverbs 6:23
Have you ever been home at night when the electricity goes out? It becomes eerily quite and totally dark! As you scramble around for a candle or flashlight, you bump into objects and your fingers grasp unknown items. But once you have a single candle or flashlight, what a difference it makes! Anxiety ceases, confusion is minimized and you are able to see where you are going.
The light of God's law and commandments are the same. Without Him, we struggle in life bumping and grasping at things unseen with little hope of knowing. But when we see his light through others, we are able to see distinctly the issues within our life.
Are you struggling with unseen issues? Do you seem to keep bumping against the same objects? Seek His will and he will light your path!
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalms 119:105
Have you ever been home at night when the electricity goes out? It becomes eerily quite and totally dark! As you scramble around for a candle or flashlight, you bump into objects and your fingers grasp unknown items. But once you have a single candle or flashlight, what a difference it makes! Anxiety ceases, confusion is minimized and you are able to see where you are going.
The light of God's law and commandments are the same. Without Him, we struggle in life bumping and grasping at things unseen with little hope of knowing. But when we see his light through others, we are able to see distinctly the issues within our life.
Are you struggling with unseen issues? Do you seem to keep bumping against the same objects? Seek His will and he will light your path!
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalms 119:105
October 5, 2011
The Bitterness of Sin
But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. Proverbs 5:4
I have never tasted wormwood but it is stated to be the most bitter-tasting plant on the earth! It has been used to repel moths and other household insects and will kill any plants planted near it. Not exactly something that I would chose to eat! Solomon chose this plant for a purpose in describing the effects of sinful nature. When our sins have matured, they are painful and distasteful.
While sin may initially be appealing, exhilarating and socially accepted, the end result is the same. Painful recognition of it's true meaning doesn't occur until sometimes it is too late. Solomon paints a grim picture of the end result in Proverbs 5:3-13. While we know that our Lord is forgiving, recognition and fleeing from sin is much less painful! David provides us an excellent example of prayer in Psalms 25:
Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause. 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. Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD. Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way. The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great. What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose. His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth. The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net. Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses. Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins. Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred. O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee. Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.
Clearly David sinned much like you and I. But his prayer above provides us a road map to prevention and repentance.
I have never tasted wormwood but it is stated to be the most bitter-tasting plant on the earth! It has been used to repel moths and other household insects and will kill any plants planted near it. Not exactly something that I would chose to eat! Solomon chose this plant for a purpose in describing the effects of sinful nature. When our sins have matured, they are painful and distasteful.
While sin may initially be appealing, exhilarating and socially accepted, the end result is the same. Painful recognition of it's true meaning doesn't occur until sometimes it is too late. Solomon paints a grim picture of the end result in Proverbs 5:3-13. While we know that our Lord is forgiving, recognition and fleeing from sin is much less painful! David provides us an excellent example of prayer in Psalms 25:
Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause. 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. Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD. Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way. The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great. What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose. His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth. The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net. Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses. Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins. Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred. O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee. Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.
Clearly David sinned much like you and I. But his prayer above provides us a road map to prevention and repentance.
October 4, 2011
Crank Up the Light
But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. Proverbs 4:18
Solomon describes our Christina path as increasing in intensity as we proceed. And Paul describes our responsibility even better in Philippians 2:15 - That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Both clearly define our responsibility to be His light in the world.
But how do we increase our intensity that Solomon defines in the second half of the verse above? Many of us have dimmers on lights in our house. The old-style dimmers used a rudimentary variable resistor that increased the resistance and reduced the voltage to the light bulb causing it to dim. As the resistance was reduced, the voltage to the light increases and the bulb burns brighter. So it is with our Christian walk with God. As we reduce the resistance to His will, we come closer to God. The closer to God, the brighter we shine!
Jesus reminds us in Matthew 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Let us be mindful that all of our actions are a direct reflection upon our Lord and Savior. Join me in striving to draw closer to God so that the world will be blinded by the light of His love!
Solomon describes our Christina path as increasing in intensity as we proceed. And Paul describes our responsibility even better in Philippians 2:15 - That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Both clearly define our responsibility to be His light in the world.
But how do we increase our intensity that Solomon defines in the second half of the verse above? Many of us have dimmers on lights in our house. The old-style dimmers used a rudimentary variable resistor that increased the resistance and reduced the voltage to the light bulb causing it to dim. As the resistance was reduced, the voltage to the light increases and the bulb burns brighter. So it is with our Christian walk with God. As we reduce the resistance to His will, we come closer to God. The closer to God, the brighter we shine!
Jesus reminds us in Matthew 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Let us be mindful that all of our actions are a direct reflection upon our Lord and Savior. Join me in striving to draw closer to God so that the world will be blinded by the light of His love!
