B.C. Bolt's Blog, page 61
September 13, 2011
Complaining Gets Nothing
The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. Proverbs 13:4
Solomon provides a sharp contrast between the sluggard and the diligent. Do we not see the same disparity among people today? There are many who continually complain about their station in life yet they do nothing to help themselves. Yet, there are others who diligently work two, and sometimes three, jobs just to make ends meet without a peep. While the diligent may not be rich, they are fed and clothed.
Shouldn't we be the same in our Christian life? Continual complaints of not being blessed does not improve our spiritual well being. But the ones who struggle through life's challenges are blessed by God. They continue to seek ways to serve the Lord, regardless of their financial abilities and natural talents. We should do the same!
Join me in renewing my commitment to quit complaining and to start looking for ways that God wants me to serve Him today.
Solomon provides a sharp contrast between the sluggard and the diligent. Do we not see the same disparity among people today? There are many who continually complain about their station in life yet they do nothing to help themselves. Yet, there are others who diligently work two, and sometimes three, jobs just to make ends meet without a peep. While the diligent may not be rich, they are fed and clothed.
Shouldn't we be the same in our Christian life? Continual complaints of not being blessed does not improve our spiritual well being. But the ones who struggle through life's challenges are blessed by God. They continue to seek ways to serve the Lord, regardless of their financial abilities and natural talents. We should do the same!
Join me in renewing my commitment to quit complaining and to start looking for ways that God wants me to serve Him today.
September 12, 2011
The Power of a Kind Word
Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad. Proverbs 12:25
Everyone appreciates positive recognition. Likewise, people longed to be appreciated for their efforts. So why is it so difficult to speak words of appreciation to someone? In reality, it is not. Except, we feel too busy to take the time to speak.
Many people are living in doubt if there efforts are in vain. While they are striving to do well, it is never confirmed. A simple "thank you" or "great job" would erase the doubt and fill the heart with confidence. And it doesn't take much effort to achieve. But it does take awareness of our surroundings - we are too often consumed in our own little world to recognize others around us.
I challenge you to break free from your own distractions and recognize those around you today. Hopefully, you will recognize those who need to see the love of Christ through a simple word of encouragement.
Everyone appreciates positive recognition. Likewise, people longed to be appreciated for their efforts. So why is it so difficult to speak words of appreciation to someone? In reality, it is not. Except, we feel too busy to take the time to speak.
Many people are living in doubt if there efforts are in vain. While they are striving to do well, it is never confirmed. A simple "thank you" or "great job" would erase the doubt and fill the heart with confidence. And it doesn't take much effort to achieve. But it does take awareness of our surroundings - we are too often consumed in our own little world to recognize others around us.
I challenge you to break free from your own distractions and recognize those around you today. Hopefully, you will recognize those who need to see the love of Christ through a simple word of encouragement.
September 11, 2011
Double Judgement
Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth; much more the wicked and the sinner. Proverbs 11:31
We have all seen situations happen to people and hear some one state that is was pay back for something the individual had done. Well, here is the verse to back it up! Solomon clealy states that we will be recompensed for our actions on earth. Other translations (NIV, NKJ) are a little clearer on the fact that it does occur on earth.
And he warns that it is more so for the wicked and the sinner. And Paul warns in Hebrews 9:27, "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment". We know then that as sinners we are punished on earth and then judged to eternal punishment on Judgement Day. It drives home the impact of pain and suffering to be endured by loved ones that have not accepted Christ. With such an ominous future, we should strive with a renewed vigor to lead our loved ones to Christ!
As Christians, we may suffer on earth through trials and tribulations but we are assured that God will compensate us in other ways on earth and in heaven. What a motivating and comforting thought! Doesn't it inspire you to abandon your will to follow Him today?
We have all seen situations happen to people and hear some one state that is was pay back for something the individual had done. Well, here is the verse to back it up! Solomon clealy states that we will be recompensed for our actions on earth. Other translations (NIV, NKJ) are a little clearer on the fact that it does occur on earth.
And he warns that it is more so for the wicked and the sinner. And Paul warns in Hebrews 9:27, "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment". We know then that as sinners we are punished on earth and then judged to eternal punishment on Judgement Day. It drives home the impact of pain and suffering to be endured by loved ones that have not accepted Christ. With such an ominous future, we should strive with a renewed vigor to lead our loved ones to Christ!
As Christians, we may suffer on earth through trials and tribulations but we are assured that God will compensate us in other ways on earth and in heaven. What a motivating and comforting thought! Doesn't it inspire you to abandon your will to follow Him today?
September 10, 2011
Hunger Interrupted
The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: But he casteth away the substance of the wicked. Proverbs 10:3
Have you been hungry lately? I am talking about a hunger that is so strong that you can think of nothing else. Your body aches and your faculties are sluggish; The only relief is to get some food into your body. And when you eat, what a feeling! Initially, you gobble down the food but then you slow and savor each morsel. You have a renewed appreciation for the tastes that you are experiencing.None of these emotions and feelings compare to those who are starving to death. A dismal situation at best which often results in the body rejecting the food provided to it.
The same situation applies to our soul. As Christians, we often experience times of famine from Christ's blessings. In those times of hunger, we long for his blessings and gobble them up when they reappear. And the peace that comes from savoring the knowledge that God truly loves you! He will not allow us to perish but will allow us to hunger for his blessings. And what a sweet blessing when they appear! Sadly, the opposite occurs with the unbeliever - he rejects or ignores the blessing provided.
Are you going through a desolate phase in your relationship with Christ? Cry out to Him and plead with Him to restore your relationship. The restoration is such a cleansing experience that will strengthen your relationship and allow you to savor every morsel of his love!
Have you been hungry lately? I am talking about a hunger that is so strong that you can think of nothing else. Your body aches and your faculties are sluggish; The only relief is to get some food into your body. And when you eat, what a feeling! Initially, you gobble down the food but then you slow and savor each morsel. You have a renewed appreciation for the tastes that you are experiencing.None of these emotions and feelings compare to those who are starving to death. A dismal situation at best which often results in the body rejecting the food provided to it.
The same situation applies to our soul. As Christians, we often experience times of famine from Christ's blessings. In those times of hunger, we long for his blessings and gobble them up when they reappear. And the peace that comes from savoring the knowledge that God truly loves you! He will not allow us to perish but will allow us to hunger for his blessings. And what a sweet blessing when they appear! Sadly, the opposite occurs with the unbeliever - he rejects or ignores the blessing provided.
Are you going through a desolate phase in your relationship with Christ? Cry out to Him and plead with Him to restore your relationship. The restoration is such a cleansing experience that will strengthen your relationship and allow you to savor every morsel of his love!
September 9, 2011
Higher Math
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. Proverbs 9:10-11
As a child, I laughed at my father's complaints about the "new math" being taught in school. He didn't see a need to change the fundamentals since they worked just fine for him. In reality, it was nothing new, just a different way of presenting the fundamentals of math. However, the verses above have caused me to wonder about a "different" math since it is not new but definitely different than anything I had ever been taught. Taken out of context, the verses above imply that we should see Christians outliving sinners by years. Sadly, that is not the case but we see Christian lives snuffed out at an unseemly early age. Was the math wrong or was I missing something? Yep, you guessed it - I was missing something. God's math and my math were not the same.
Jesus enlightens us in John 10:9-11. A key phrase is "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." By having Christ in our life, we have abundant or an increased life not necessarily a longer life but a better life. I will try to explain - while Christians are still faced with the challenges of life, there is a difference in their outlook and disposition. While they may be going through some tough times, they know on whom they trust. Paul sums it up best in Romans 8:35-39:
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Paul defines the higher math achieved by believing in Christ. As a believer, I am always invigorated to face the challenges of life knowing that the love of Jesus Christ is with me through it all. He has multiplied the peace and contentment within me that goes beyond any mathematical equation!
As a child, I laughed at my father's complaints about the "new math" being taught in school. He didn't see a need to change the fundamentals since they worked just fine for him. In reality, it was nothing new, just a different way of presenting the fundamentals of math. However, the verses above have caused me to wonder about a "different" math since it is not new but definitely different than anything I had ever been taught. Taken out of context, the verses above imply that we should see Christians outliving sinners by years. Sadly, that is not the case but we see Christian lives snuffed out at an unseemly early age. Was the math wrong or was I missing something? Yep, you guessed it - I was missing something. God's math and my math were not the same.
Jesus enlightens us in John 10:9-11. A key phrase is "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." By having Christ in our life, we have abundant or an increased life not necessarily a longer life but a better life. I will try to explain - while Christians are still faced with the challenges of life, there is a difference in their outlook and disposition. While they may be going through some tough times, they know on whom they trust. Paul sums it up best in Romans 8:35-39:
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Paul defines the higher math achieved by believing in Christ. As a believer, I am always invigorated to face the challenges of life knowing that the love of Jesus Christ is with me through it all. He has multiplied the peace and contentment within me that goes beyond any mathematical equation!
September 8, 2011
Teacher's Pet
For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favor of the Lord. Proverbs 8:35
In school we envied the teacher's pet. They always got special privileges and were given the benefit of doubt when they were on the border line in making the next higher grade. It was obvious the special relationship that the student enjoyed based upon their favor with the teacher.
We have the same opportunity with the Lord. Talking about the opportunity for special privileges! Solomon promises these favors to those who seek wisdom. Solomon spends many chapters in Proverbs discussing the merits of seeking wisdom and the benefits bestowed upon those who do. But this one takes the cake - favor of the Lord! What a strong relationship we will enjoy through Christ when we commit our lives to seeking Him. The closeness achieved through active seeking far exceeds anything on earth.
Quit worrying about your past and your failures. Rather focus on seeking God and he will reward you with a special relationship that will make others envious. Just like the little girl in fifth grade who always got head-of-the-line privileges. God will place us first in his blessing as well!
In school we envied the teacher's pet. They always got special privileges and were given the benefit of doubt when they were on the border line in making the next higher grade. It was obvious the special relationship that the student enjoyed based upon their favor with the teacher.
We have the same opportunity with the Lord. Talking about the opportunity for special privileges! Solomon promises these favors to those who seek wisdom. Solomon spends many chapters in Proverbs discussing the merits of seeking wisdom and the benefits bestowed upon those who do. But this one takes the cake - favor of the Lord! What a strong relationship we will enjoy through Christ when we commit our lives to seeking Him. The closeness achieved through active seeking far exceeds anything on earth.
Quit worrying about your past and your failures. Rather focus on seeking God and he will reward you with a special relationship that will make others envious. Just like the little girl in fifth grade who always got head-of-the-line privileges. God will place us first in his blessing as well!
September 7, 2011
Steer Clear
And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding, Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house, Proverbs 7:7-8
Solomon spends the majority of chapter 7 describing in detail the downfall of a man who surrenders to the temptation of a woman (Proverbs 7:6-27). He goes in great detail of the evil that besets the young man based upon his gullible acceptance of her temptations.
When I read of the description, I go back to the opening verses above. How did the young man fall into such temptation? It all starts with him passing by her house. And we do the same today. We are well aware of the evils that we should avoid. But we reason that we are capable of resisting them and it won't harm us just to "pass by" or be in the vicinity of such activities. However, the longer we are around them, the less evil they seem. And soon enough, we are justifying our actions by saying that "everyone does it" or "it's not a big deal". Before we know it, we are knee deep in the filth of the world.
The best defense against falling victim to such temptation is to stay away. Paul warns us in 1 Thes 5:22 to "Abstain from the appearance of all evil". He didn't say to not partake in evil but even the appearance of evil. So I encourage you to steer clear of evil lest the temptation over comes our good intentions.
Solomon spends the majority of chapter 7 describing in detail the downfall of a man who surrenders to the temptation of a woman (Proverbs 7:6-27). He goes in great detail of the evil that besets the young man based upon his gullible acceptance of her temptations.
When I read of the description, I go back to the opening verses above. How did the young man fall into such temptation? It all starts with him passing by her house. And we do the same today. We are well aware of the evils that we should avoid. But we reason that we are capable of resisting them and it won't harm us just to "pass by" or be in the vicinity of such activities. However, the longer we are around them, the less evil they seem. And soon enough, we are justifying our actions by saying that "everyone does it" or "it's not a big deal". Before we know it, we are knee deep in the filth of the world.
The best defense against falling victim to such temptation is to stay away. Paul warns us in 1 Thes 5:22 to "Abstain from the appearance of all evil". He didn't say to not partake in evil but even the appearance of evil. So I encourage you to steer clear of evil lest the temptation over comes our good intentions.
September 6, 2011
Never Alone
When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thous sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee. Proverbs 6:22
Have you ever felt alone? While I am surrounded by people all day long, I have had occasions where I have felt totally alone: no one that supports or cares for me. While we all have loved ones that care for us, they can not physically be with us all the time. It is during those times that feeling homesick, forsaken, lonely, not understood and a ton of other emotions gather in your mind. It can become frightening when you are trying to make a stand for a just cause and you see no support around you. It is enough to break down the strongest individual - unless you stop and remember.
Solomon describes above the support that we get. It is not situational, periodic or conditional. It is all the time, even when we sleep! When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we are never alone. This is what I was referring to above in that we need to stop and remember. No matter how lonely or dark the situation may be, we always have the Holy Spirit with us. Paul says it much better than I in Hebrews 13:5-6, "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."
What a comfort! To know that he will never leave or forsake us. While we may be miles away from supportive loved ones, He is always there. We are never alone again in this world.
Have you ever felt alone? While I am surrounded by people all day long, I have had occasions where I have felt totally alone: no one that supports or cares for me. While we all have loved ones that care for us, they can not physically be with us all the time. It is during those times that feeling homesick, forsaken, lonely, not understood and a ton of other emotions gather in your mind. It can become frightening when you are trying to make a stand for a just cause and you see no support around you. It is enough to break down the strongest individual - unless you stop and remember.
Solomon describes above the support that we get. It is not situational, periodic or conditional. It is all the time, even when we sleep! When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we are never alone. This is what I was referring to above in that we need to stop and remember. No matter how lonely or dark the situation may be, we always have the Holy Spirit with us. Paul says it much better than I in Hebrews 13:5-6, "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."
What a comfort! To know that he will never leave or forsake us. While we may be miles away from supportive loved ones, He is always there. We are never alone again in this world.
September 5, 2011
No Fear of Secrecy
For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings. Proverbs 5:21
The Lord sees all that we do and nothing can be done in secrecy. Since we are repeatedly told this throughout Proverbs and Jesus affirms it in all four Gospels, why do we continue to struggle with secrecy? Why not take a more spiritual approach to our daily life?
If we will truly commit our efforts to the Lord, what a difference it will make! David states in Psalms 37:5, "Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass." What a blessing to know that when we commit and trust, it will happen! Too often, we try to force situations into achieving our desired results. But if we will commit our efforts and trust in him, it will happen. Does it mean that it will happen as we want it to? Not necessarily, but if we seek him, He will lead us to accept His will, not ours.
Let's give up the double-life of secrecy and commit ourselves to His will. We will no longer live in fear of being "caught" but rather in confidence of success!
The Lord sees all that we do and nothing can be done in secrecy. Since we are repeatedly told this throughout Proverbs and Jesus affirms it in all four Gospels, why do we continue to struggle with secrecy? Why not take a more spiritual approach to our daily life?
If we will truly commit our efforts to the Lord, what a difference it will make! David states in Psalms 37:5, "Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass." What a blessing to know that when we commit and trust, it will happen! Too often, we try to force situations into achieving our desired results. But if we will commit our efforts and trust in him, it will happen. Does it mean that it will happen as we want it to? Not necessarily, but if we seek him, He will lead us to accept His will, not ours.
Let's give up the double-life of secrecy and commit ourselves to His will. We will no longer live in fear of being "caught" but rather in confidence of success!
September 4, 2011
Straight and Narrow Path
Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left; remove thy foot from evil. Proverbs 4:26-27
We often laugh at characters in the cartoons who are wondering aimlessly and suddenly get a surprising jolt back into reality. Likewise, we cringe during horror movies when the victim is seemingly unaware of the dangers until it is too late. Our own lives are similar. We often wonder aimlessly through life without a focus or mission with each day. Then we are surprised when we have failed to follow God's teachings. We often say, "How did I get so far from God?". Often it is a gradual loss of focus.
Solomon advises us to stay focused on our path - no deviations to the right or left! When something is a priority, we tend to keep it on our mind continuously. However, as we become distracted with the challenges of day-to-day life, we tend to loose focus on Christ. He must be a part of our daily lives, not just during church services. When he is a part of our daily decisions, we won't wander from his guidance. It is the assumption that we can perform small tasks without his supreme guidance that tends to build confidence in our own abilities. As our confidence grows, our dependence on Christ diminishes. Then, before you know it, you are far away from the path of righteousness and wondering how you got there!
Let's keep our dependence upon him for all decisions - no matter how small. If he is involved in the simple decisions, he will be around for the hard ones! David clearly understood and expressed it well in Psalms 5:8, "Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face." David knew the value of walking the straight path. And he knew the only way to achieve this feat was for the Lord to lead him. Let's make the same commitment to be lead by the one who is never surprised!
We often laugh at characters in the cartoons who are wondering aimlessly and suddenly get a surprising jolt back into reality. Likewise, we cringe during horror movies when the victim is seemingly unaware of the dangers until it is too late. Our own lives are similar. We often wonder aimlessly through life without a focus or mission with each day. Then we are surprised when we have failed to follow God's teachings. We often say, "How did I get so far from God?". Often it is a gradual loss of focus.
Solomon advises us to stay focused on our path - no deviations to the right or left! When something is a priority, we tend to keep it on our mind continuously. However, as we become distracted with the challenges of day-to-day life, we tend to loose focus on Christ. He must be a part of our daily lives, not just during church services. When he is a part of our daily decisions, we won't wander from his guidance. It is the assumption that we can perform small tasks without his supreme guidance that tends to build confidence in our own abilities. As our confidence grows, our dependence on Christ diminishes. Then, before you know it, you are far away from the path of righteousness and wondering how you got there!
Let's keep our dependence upon him for all decisions - no matter how small. If he is involved in the simple decisions, he will be around for the hard ones! David clearly understood and expressed it well in Psalms 5:8, "Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face." David knew the value of walking the straight path. And he knew the only way to achieve this feat was for the Lord to lead him. Let's make the same commitment to be lead by the one who is never surprised!
