B.C. Bolt's Blog, page 64
August 14, 2011
Hollow Laughter
Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful: and the end of that mirth is heaviness. Proverbs 14:13
Sometimes, fake laughter is easily identified. But often, we assume because someone is smiling on the outside, they are happy on the inside. We know that is not the case from personal experience. Whether it is a pile of bills overdue, terminal illness identified, strained relationships or discord with God, we have all experienced a heavy heart. David sums up the situation best in Psalms 69:19-20, "Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee. Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none."
We have all been there - alone. We feel that there is no one to listen, no one to care and no one to understand. But there is. Peter tells us in 1 Peter 5:7 to cast our cares upon Him. Why? Because, He cares for you. Always. Not just when we have been saintly or nice, but he cares for us always. David leads us again, in Psalms 28:6-7: "Blessed be the LORD, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him."
Quit a different song than before! Did David have failed temptations, evil opponents and secret enemies? You bet he did! But he knew how to make real laughter – by calling upon the Lord. I encourage you to follow David's prayer below:
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Psalms 51:10-13
When we have given Him our cares and renewed our relationship with Christ, people will not have to wonder if our laughter is hollow. For the glow of his love upon our countenance will erase any doubts. Join me in laughing at today's challenges by giving them to God.
Sometimes, fake laughter is easily identified. But often, we assume because someone is smiling on the outside, they are happy on the inside. We know that is not the case from personal experience. Whether it is a pile of bills overdue, terminal illness identified, strained relationships or discord with God, we have all experienced a heavy heart. David sums up the situation best in Psalms 69:19-20, "Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee. Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none."
We have all been there - alone. We feel that there is no one to listen, no one to care and no one to understand. But there is. Peter tells us in 1 Peter 5:7 to cast our cares upon Him. Why? Because, He cares for you. Always. Not just when we have been saintly or nice, but he cares for us always. David leads us again, in Psalms 28:6-7: "Blessed be the LORD, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him."
Quit a different song than before! Did David have failed temptations, evil opponents and secret enemies? You bet he did! But he knew how to make real laughter – by calling upon the Lord. I encourage you to follow David's prayer below:
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Psalms 51:10-13
When we have given Him our cares and renewed our relationship with Christ, people will not have to wonder if our laughter is hollow. For the glow of his love upon our countenance will erase any doubts. Join me in laughing at today's challenges by giving them to God.
August 13, 2011
Affluent Poverty
There is that maketh himself rich, yet have nothing: there is that maketh himself poor yet hath great riches. Proverbs 13:7
What a wicked web we weave when we make plans that don't include Christ! Too often, we feel that we can do it on our own - we have the knowledge and resources to be successful. Why bother taking the time to include Him in our decision process? Jesus gives us the perfect example in the foolish rich man parable in Luke 12:16-21. And the final verse clearly defines those who are not rich toward God.
What about the last half of the verse? The perfect example is the widow who gave of her last meal to Elijah (1 Kings 17:10-16). She had just enough food for a last meal for herself and her son. But she followed God's direction from Elijah. And her meal and oil never ran out! God blesses when we give our prized possessions for his use. And his rewards are greater than monetary and they keep on coming. Remember the widow's son dying? And Elijah brought him back to life (1 Kings 17:17-24).
God wants to bless us in the same way. If we will be put him first in our plans and trust him with all that we have, the results will be miraculous! Don't try to hold back by reasoning that you don't have enough. For he will multiply your gift to others and reward you in ways beyond imagination!
What a wicked web we weave when we make plans that don't include Christ! Too often, we feel that we can do it on our own - we have the knowledge and resources to be successful. Why bother taking the time to include Him in our decision process? Jesus gives us the perfect example in the foolish rich man parable in Luke 12:16-21. And the final verse clearly defines those who are not rich toward God.
What about the last half of the verse? The perfect example is the widow who gave of her last meal to Elijah (1 Kings 17:10-16). She had just enough food for a last meal for herself and her son. But she followed God's direction from Elijah. And her meal and oil never ran out! God blesses when we give our prized possessions for his use. And his rewards are greater than monetary and they keep on coming. Remember the widow's son dying? And Elijah brought him back to life (1 Kings 17:17-24).
God wants to bless us in the same way. If we will be put him first in our plans and trust him with all that we have, the results will be miraculous! Don't try to hold back by reasoning that you don't have enough. For he will multiply your gift to others and reward you in ways beyond imagination!
August 12, 2011
A Firm Foundation
The wicked are overthrown, and are not; but the house of the righteous shall stand. Proverbs 12:7
It seems that almost every day we hear of another natural disaster that has struck somewhere in the world. Video shows the devastation to lives and property. I normally don't see one house demolished and one house standing so that I can easily say "Oh, he was the wicked one and look how the righteous house is still standing after the earthquake." Jesus also spoke the parable of building your house upon the rock in Matthew 7:24-27. And the house built upon the rock withstood the rains, floods and wind. Neither description seems to fit the images we see today following the natural disasters that occur.
Paul gives us a hint in 1 Cor 6:19 that our body is the temple of the Holy Ghost. And Jesus confirmed in John 2:21 that the temple he was referring to was his body. So is your "house" built upon the solid rock? When the storms of life assail you, do you stand firm or crumble at the first sign of attack? David gave us the answer in Psalm 37:39: "But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble."
Are you being assaulted from all sides with challenges of the world? Is your house shaking from the forces against it? If so, call upon the Lord and he will be your "strength in the time of trouble". It is comforting to know that we don't have to face the challenges alone. He will be with us every step of the way! Simply ask.
It seems that almost every day we hear of another natural disaster that has struck somewhere in the world. Video shows the devastation to lives and property. I normally don't see one house demolished and one house standing so that I can easily say "Oh, he was the wicked one and look how the righteous house is still standing after the earthquake." Jesus also spoke the parable of building your house upon the rock in Matthew 7:24-27. And the house built upon the rock withstood the rains, floods and wind. Neither description seems to fit the images we see today following the natural disasters that occur.
Paul gives us a hint in 1 Cor 6:19 that our body is the temple of the Holy Ghost. And Jesus confirmed in John 2:21 that the temple he was referring to was his body. So is your "house" built upon the solid rock? When the storms of life assail you, do you stand firm or crumble at the first sign of attack? David gave us the answer in Psalm 37:39: "But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble."
Are you being assaulted from all sides with challenges of the world? Is your house shaking from the forces against it? If so, call upon the Lord and he will be your "strength in the time of trouble". It is comforting to know that we don't have to face the challenges alone. He will be with us every step of the way! Simply ask.
August 11, 2011
Compounded Giving
The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. Proverbs 11:25
When we think of "giving" we immediately think of money! It seems to be a recurring theme in churches. And we often hear Paul's words in 2 Cor 9:6-10. And yes, we should be "cheerful givers". But it doesn't only apply to monetary gifts.
One of the more valued gifts for me is time. I never seem to have enough for the multitude of tasks that face me each day. But when I stop and share my time with others, it is refreshing not only to them but to me as well. During my childhood growing up in a rural area, people often went "visiting" and spent time sitting with others. As a youth, I often viewed it as a waste of time. However, I have learned that it replenishes the soul to visit with loved ones. There is a closeness gained that can't be accomplished over the phone or via texting!
And time is not the only gift we can provide. My wife is a wonderful cook that shares her delicious creations with friends and family. While the appreciation doesn't pay for her ingredients and time, it does something much better – it warms the heart!
Why don't you share your blessing with others today? It may be money or it could be your gifts of cooking, woodworking, or simply listening that others need today. They will be blessed and you will receive a blessing in return. And as Paul promised in the verses above, God will increase your fruits. Talk about compounded giving! What God blesses will surely beat any interest rate offered today!
When we think of "giving" we immediately think of money! It seems to be a recurring theme in churches. And we often hear Paul's words in 2 Cor 9:6-10. And yes, we should be "cheerful givers". But it doesn't only apply to monetary gifts.
One of the more valued gifts for me is time. I never seem to have enough for the multitude of tasks that face me each day. But when I stop and share my time with others, it is refreshing not only to them but to me as well. During my childhood growing up in a rural area, people often went "visiting" and spent time sitting with others. As a youth, I often viewed it as a waste of time. However, I have learned that it replenishes the soul to visit with loved ones. There is a closeness gained that can't be accomplished over the phone or via texting!
And time is not the only gift we can provide. My wife is a wonderful cook that shares her delicious creations with friends and family. While the appreciation doesn't pay for her ingredients and time, it does something much better – it warms the heart!
Why don't you share your blessing with others today? It may be money or it could be your gifts of cooking, woodworking, or simply listening that others need today. They will be blessed and you will receive a blessing in return. And as Paul promised in the verses above, God will increase your fruits. Talk about compounded giving! What God blesses will surely beat any interest rate offered today!
August 10, 2011
Temporary Treasures
Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death. Proverbs 10:2
I often struggled with this verse literally. It was hard for me to comprehend when I saw wicked people with affluence living a life without care while watching Christian friends suffer and die an untimely death. But when I read it from the heart it made sense – Solomon wasn't talking about the short-term view from my eyes, but from God's eyes spanning eternity.
No matter how much wealth a wicked individual amasses in this life. When he dies, it is all left behind. He can't buy his way through the Pearly Gates. Plus our soul doesn't have pockets to slip even a penny beyond this life.
And for the individual saved by Grace, he too can repeat the words of Paul "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" (1 Cor 15:55). Through Salvation, we are delivered from death! I encourage you to read Paul's description in 1 Cor 15:50-58. We may be broken and suffering in this life, but we are assured that, in the long run of eternity, we are winners through Christ!
I often struggled with this verse literally. It was hard for me to comprehend when I saw wicked people with affluence living a life without care while watching Christian friends suffer and die an untimely death. But when I read it from the heart it made sense – Solomon wasn't talking about the short-term view from my eyes, but from God's eyes spanning eternity.
No matter how much wealth a wicked individual amasses in this life. When he dies, it is all left behind. He can't buy his way through the Pearly Gates. Plus our soul doesn't have pockets to slip even a penny beyond this life.
And for the individual saved by Grace, he too can repeat the words of Paul "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" (1 Cor 15:55). Through Salvation, we are delivered from death! I encourage you to read Paul's description in 1 Cor 15:50-58. We may be broken and suffering in this life, but we are assured that, in the long run of eternity, we are winners through Christ!
August 9, 2011
Wasted Effort
He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. Reprove not a scorner lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man and he will love thee. Proverbs 9:7-8
Have you ever felt that you were wasting your time and effort trying to teach someone something? No matter how hard you tried to explain, they just didn't seem to be listening or comprehending. Such is the case above with the scorner. And ultimately he hates you (verse 8)? For your efforts, you receive hatred? What a waste!
Look at the second half of each verse regarding rebuke – if he is wise, he will love you. David said it best in Psalms 141:5, "Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head…" Appreciation is always welcomed when you are correcting someone. But it will only come from a wise man – not a wicked man.
Do we have the same appreciation when we are corrected? Or do we tend to stiffen our backs at the thought of someone rebuking us? This is a two-way street. We must be as happy to receive as give advice! When we achieve this mutual respect with others, we obtain mutual accountability for our actions.
Take the time today to show your love and appreciation to some one that has helped guide you in life. It will surely bring instant rewards as well as future support!
Have you ever felt that you were wasting your time and effort trying to teach someone something? No matter how hard you tried to explain, they just didn't seem to be listening or comprehending. Such is the case above with the scorner. And ultimately he hates you (verse 8)? For your efforts, you receive hatred? What a waste!
Look at the second half of each verse regarding rebuke – if he is wise, he will love you. David said it best in Psalms 141:5, "Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head…" Appreciation is always welcomed when you are correcting someone. But it will only come from a wise man – not a wicked man.
Do we have the same appreciation when we are corrected? Or do we tend to stiffen our backs at the thought of someone rebuking us? This is a two-way street. We must be as happy to receive as give advice! When we achieve this mutual respect with others, we obtain mutual accountability for our actions.
Take the time today to show your love and appreciation to some one that has helped guide you in life. It will surely bring instant rewards as well as future support!
August 8, 2011
Putrid Pride
The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the forward mouth, do I hate. Proverbs 8:13
Some people have so much pride and arrogance that it is almost nauseating…. You know the ones that I am talking about: they have done more, own more, seen more and can do more than anyone. And they are not afraid to let you know. You are tempted to go the other way when you see them coming. But then again, you don't even have to talk to them to be disturbed, for their dazzling display blinds your eyes before they are within earshot.
Often, it causes me to bristle in anticipation of speaking with them since it disturbs me so much. And Solomon supports me in Proverbs 28:25. It seems like they leave a wake of strife/unrest where ever they roam.
I wish I never met any such people that claimed to be Christians. But alas, it is not so. Surely they have not read Psalms 10:4, "The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts." What an eye-opening statement!
I could spend all day lambasting these individuals but there are some words Jesus spoke in Matthew 7:1-3 that hit home. "For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged" rings home. Do I sometimes get carried away bragging about my children? Am I happy to talk on hours about my hobbies? And my favorite sports team (War Eagle!)? I guess that is why he added the last part to the verse regarding our mouth!
Yes, I am guilty as well. I believe we all fall into that category at one time or another of being "just a little arrogant". But there is hope! Join me today in getting down off the pedestal of pride and on our knees in humility. We have much to be thankful (but not prideful) for that God has blessed us with. But if we stop and recognize to whom it belongs (not us), we will be a little more humble in sharing with others today.
Some people have so much pride and arrogance that it is almost nauseating…. You know the ones that I am talking about: they have done more, own more, seen more and can do more than anyone. And they are not afraid to let you know. You are tempted to go the other way when you see them coming. But then again, you don't even have to talk to them to be disturbed, for their dazzling display blinds your eyes before they are within earshot.
Often, it causes me to bristle in anticipation of speaking with them since it disturbs me so much. And Solomon supports me in Proverbs 28:25. It seems like they leave a wake of strife/unrest where ever they roam.
I wish I never met any such people that claimed to be Christians. But alas, it is not so. Surely they have not read Psalms 10:4, "The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts." What an eye-opening statement!
I could spend all day lambasting these individuals but there are some words Jesus spoke in Matthew 7:1-3 that hit home. "For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged" rings home. Do I sometimes get carried away bragging about my children? Am I happy to talk on hours about my hobbies? And my favorite sports team (War Eagle!)? I guess that is why he added the last part to the verse regarding our mouth!
Yes, I am guilty as well. I believe we all fall into that category at one time or another of being "just a little arrogant". But there is hope! Join me today in getting down off the pedestal of pride and on our knees in humility. We have much to be thankful (but not prideful) for that God has blessed us with. But if we stop and recognize to whom it belongs (not us), we will be a little more humble in sharing with others today.
August 7, 2011
A Constant Reminder
Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart. Proverbs 7:3
Often, when I read this verse, I get the mental image of a piece of yarn or ribbon tied in a nice big bow on a finger. As children, we were told this was used as a "reminder" for something important. So you wouldn't forget. However, being practical minded, I never saw the benefit of having something get in my way while trying to play. It seemed that it always popped up in the wrong place at the wrong time and caused me to stop playing just to get it out of the way.
Perhaps this was Solomon's intent? Actually, he is repeating God's instruction from Deuteronomy 6:8 and 6:6. And what was the reminder regarding? The Great Commandment: "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." (Deuteronomy 6:5). The people of Isreal were directed to never forget this commandment and to teach it to their children (Deuteronomy 6:6-9) so that it would never be forgotten.
Perhaps that is why they directed using a reminder that was constantly in the way. Much like a child, I still need repeated reminders of His great love and my resonsibility to follow his will. Are there reminders in your life? Pause and look around. If not, perhaps we need to redecorate our heart and home so that we are constantly reminded to whom we belong!
Often, when I read this verse, I get the mental image of a piece of yarn or ribbon tied in a nice big bow on a finger. As children, we were told this was used as a "reminder" for something important. So you wouldn't forget. However, being practical minded, I never saw the benefit of having something get in my way while trying to play. It seemed that it always popped up in the wrong place at the wrong time and caused me to stop playing just to get it out of the way.
Perhaps this was Solomon's intent? Actually, he is repeating God's instruction from Deuteronomy 6:8 and 6:6. And what was the reminder regarding? The Great Commandment: "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." (Deuteronomy 6:5). The people of Isreal were directed to never forget this commandment and to teach it to their children (Deuteronomy 6:6-9) so that it would never be forgotten.
Perhaps that is why they directed using a reminder that was constantly in the way. Much like a child, I still need repeated reminders of His great love and my resonsibility to follow his will. Are there reminders in your life? Pause and look around. If not, perhaps we need to redecorate our heart and home so that we are constantly reminded to whom we belong!
August 6, 2011
A Little Hard Work Never Hurt Anyone
Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep. So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man. Proverbs 6:10-11
The Bible is not known for repeating itself over and over. But Solomon repeatedly address the issue of being lazy (Proverbs 24:33-34). Maybe, he recognized that I was hard of hearing and knew that it would take repeating the same thing several times to get through to me!
Then he states is differently in Proverbs 13:4 just in case I don't understand! We are to be diligent in our work. Not sitting back and expecting a paycheck for just showing up. His principle does not apply to just physical labor. But what ever we do, do it diligently. Why is it so important?
Have you noticed the waitress that keeps your drink filled and is at your table just as you think about needing something? Have you marvelled at the surgeon who had both great bedside manners and the highest success rate for surgery? Which teller or grocery line do you pick when presented with a choice? Which product line do you select for your purchase? The one with the highest quality.
All of these are a reflection of personal diligence in the work place. And what do each have that other's don't? Respect. As a Christian, we should live our lives diligently so that we are above reproach and earn the respect of others. What a better reflection upon the One who saved us! So put a little spring in your step and put a smile on your face so that the love of Christ may show through your work to others today.
The Bible is not known for repeating itself over and over. But Solomon repeatedly address the issue of being lazy (Proverbs 24:33-34). Maybe, he recognized that I was hard of hearing and knew that it would take repeating the same thing several times to get through to me!
Then he states is differently in Proverbs 13:4 just in case I don't understand! We are to be diligent in our work. Not sitting back and expecting a paycheck for just showing up. His principle does not apply to just physical labor. But what ever we do, do it diligently. Why is it so important?
Have you noticed the waitress that keeps your drink filled and is at your table just as you think about needing something? Have you marvelled at the surgeon who had both great bedside manners and the highest success rate for surgery? Which teller or grocery line do you pick when presented with a choice? Which product line do you select for your purchase? The one with the highest quality.
All of these are a reflection of personal diligence in the work place. And what do each have that other's don't? Respect. As a Christian, we should live our lives diligently so that we are above reproach and earn the respect of others. What a better reflection upon the One who saved us! So put a little spring in your step and put a smile on your face so that the love of Christ may show through your work to others today.
August 5, 2011
Mellow With Age
Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. Proverbs 5:18
Solomon spends the majority of this chapter warning against strange and evil women and only a few verses regarding our wives. If he had only followed his own advice! However, verses 18-19 always catch my eye. He is not talking to a youthful man but rather a mature one. As such, he doesn't simply state "your wife" but "the wife of thy youth" which implies she has been with you through it all. She has seen the good times and the bad times, your public image and the "just rolled out of bed" image. And amazingly, she is still there - supporting you every step of the way.
When you realize what an insurmountable task that can be, your appreciation for your wife grows. It doesn't matter your current age, physical appearance or condition but what does matter is the outpouring of love to get where you are. It is easy to see his passionate description of your wife in verse 19!
Age has a way of softening the edges of our memory. Childbirth isn't so traumatic fifteen years later - because it has been softened by that first image of a newborn's smile. The hard times and struggles are softened by the memories of having each other. Much like wine, our memories mellow with age. So are the memories of our wives – they mellow with age.
However, Solomon reminds us not to let our relationship with our wives mellow but to be "ravished always with her love". Have you shown your appreciation? Does she know she is still the "wife of thy youth"? Rejoice with her today – for you are blessed to have someone that loves you enough to still be there!
Solomon spends the majority of this chapter warning against strange and evil women and only a few verses regarding our wives. If he had only followed his own advice! However, verses 18-19 always catch my eye. He is not talking to a youthful man but rather a mature one. As such, he doesn't simply state "your wife" but "the wife of thy youth" which implies she has been with you through it all. She has seen the good times and the bad times, your public image and the "just rolled out of bed" image. And amazingly, she is still there - supporting you every step of the way.
When you realize what an insurmountable task that can be, your appreciation for your wife grows. It doesn't matter your current age, physical appearance or condition but what does matter is the outpouring of love to get where you are. It is easy to see his passionate description of your wife in verse 19!
Age has a way of softening the edges of our memory. Childbirth isn't so traumatic fifteen years later - because it has been softened by that first image of a newborn's smile. The hard times and struggles are softened by the memories of having each other. Much like wine, our memories mellow with age. So are the memories of our wives – they mellow with age.
However, Solomon reminds us not to let our relationship with our wives mellow but to be "ravished always with her love". Have you shown your appreciation? Does she know she is still the "wife of thy youth"? Rejoice with her today – for you are blessed to have someone that loves you enough to still be there!
