B.C. Bolt's Blog, page 65
August 4, 2011
A Father's Charge
I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. Proverbs 4:11
As a parent, we have many competing responsibilities regarding our children. However, Solomon shows where our priorities should be above. Nothing we do has a more lasting impact than establishing the bedrock of their salvation.
He refers to teaching the way of wisdom. How can we teach what we do not know? Therefore, we must seek wisdom so that we can fully explain it to our children. Likewise, how can we lead them in the right paths unless we are on the right path? We must demonstrate by example in order for them to trust us enough to follow. Proverbs 20:7 promises that our children will be blessed if we are just. What more could you wish for your children than to be blessed by God?
Paul challenges us to bring up our children in the "nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4). Again, we must know the Lord before we can lead our children to know him.
Too often we are worried about what our peers think of us. Just for today, consider what your children think of you. Is your example above reproach? Are you walking the talk? Even at home? Let your children's future motivate your behavior today.
As a parent, we have many competing responsibilities regarding our children. However, Solomon shows where our priorities should be above. Nothing we do has a more lasting impact than establishing the bedrock of their salvation.
He refers to teaching the way of wisdom. How can we teach what we do not know? Therefore, we must seek wisdom so that we can fully explain it to our children. Likewise, how can we lead them in the right paths unless we are on the right path? We must demonstrate by example in order for them to trust us enough to follow. Proverbs 20:7 promises that our children will be blessed if we are just. What more could you wish for your children than to be blessed by God?
Paul challenges us to bring up our children in the "nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4). Again, we must know the Lord before we can lead our children to know him.
Too often we are worried about what our peers think of us. Just for today, consider what your children think of you. Is your example above reproach? Are you walking the talk? Even at home? Let your children's future motivate your behavior today.
August 3, 2011
The Secret to Long Life
My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace shall they add to thee. Proverbs 3:1-2
research
Americans spend millions of dollars each year to combat the aging process: Medical continues to seek methods to lengthen life, manufacturers tout their creams and pills that make those nasty indications of age vanish and surgeons can remove years from your looks with a nip and tuck "here and there". I think it is safe to say that we are hooked on living longer while looking younger.
Solomon gives us great advice on both in these two verses. Is it a cream or a pill? Is it a new exercise program? No, it is so simple that it hurts – let your heart keep His commandments. We wish that it was simply a pill or a twenty minute exercise routine that would lengthen our days. But it is much more difficult – following his commandments. Not just on Sunday mornings or during devotion time, but all the time. Quite a task, that is not to be taken lightly. Paul, exhorts us in Ephesians 6:2 to follow "the first commandment with a promise" given by the Lord in Exodus 20:12. And what is the reward? "That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth" (Ephesians 6:3). Since Moses was around, folks have been concerned with living longer. And David acknowledges the concern in Psalms 34:11-13. And the answer throughout the generations: follow His commandments.
What is the secret to looking younger? Solomon shares that as well in the verses above. What is the last reward he describes? Peace. With His peace, you have fewer worries; therefore you frown less and smile more. The results are fewer wrinkles and a radiant countenance! Nothing can make you look younger than that!
So claim the promise by committing your life to follow Him. It won't take three weeks of application for you to feel the difference!
research
Americans spend millions of dollars each year to combat the aging process: Medical continues to seek methods to lengthen life, manufacturers tout their creams and pills that make those nasty indications of age vanish and surgeons can remove years from your looks with a nip and tuck "here and there". I think it is safe to say that we are hooked on living longer while looking younger.
Solomon gives us great advice on both in these two verses. Is it a cream or a pill? Is it a new exercise program? No, it is so simple that it hurts – let your heart keep His commandments. We wish that it was simply a pill or a twenty minute exercise routine that would lengthen our days. But it is much more difficult – following his commandments. Not just on Sunday mornings or during devotion time, but all the time. Quite a task, that is not to be taken lightly. Paul, exhorts us in Ephesians 6:2 to follow "the first commandment with a promise" given by the Lord in Exodus 20:12. And what is the reward? "That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth" (Ephesians 6:3). Since Moses was around, folks have been concerned with living longer. And David acknowledges the concern in Psalms 34:11-13. And the answer throughout the generations: follow His commandments.
What is the secret to looking younger? Solomon shares that as well in the verses above. What is the last reward he describes? Peace. With His peace, you have fewer worries; therefore you frown less and smile more. The results are fewer wrinkles and a radiant countenance! Nothing can make you look younger than that!
So claim the promise by committing your life to follow Him. It won't take three weeks of application for you to feel the difference!
August 2, 2011
Everlasting Treasures
Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as hid treasure; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:3-6
Have you ever lost your car keys, just as you are about to leave for an important appointment? Did you passively search the room? No, there is normally a sense of urgency and panic that is not relieved until the lost keys are found (hopefully, in time to make the appointment). Do we seek God with the same urgency? Or do we passively wait for wisdom to be bestowed upon us?
Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:21, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Do we treasure our relationship with God? Do we seek His Will like silver? Or are we too busy making our life successful from the worldly perspective? Our actions reflect the attitude of our heart. I don't dawdle coming to the table, for I know my wife has a wonderful meal prepared but I may delay heading out to weed the yard in hopes that the heat will dissipate. Likewise, we place priority in our actions toward the things that matter most in our heart.
What priority do you place on your relationship with God? Is it the first priority of your day or does he get what is left at the end of the day? Seek the treasure that is everlasting and he will bless you with wisdom, knowledge and understanding. These treasures don't diminish over the years and are priced above all of the gold in the world!
Have you ever lost your car keys, just as you are about to leave for an important appointment? Did you passively search the room? No, there is normally a sense of urgency and panic that is not relieved until the lost keys are found (hopefully, in time to make the appointment). Do we seek God with the same urgency? Or do we passively wait for wisdom to be bestowed upon us?
Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:21, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Do we treasure our relationship with God? Do we seek His Will like silver? Or are we too busy making our life successful from the worldly perspective? Our actions reflect the attitude of our heart. I don't dawdle coming to the table, for I know my wife has a wonderful meal prepared but I may delay heading out to weed the yard in hopes that the heat will dissipate. Likewise, we place priority in our actions toward the things that matter most in our heart.
What priority do you place on your relationship with God? Is it the first priority of your day or does he get what is left at the end of the day? Seek the treasure that is everlasting and he will bless you with wisdom, knowledge and understanding. These treasures don't diminish over the years and are priced above all of the gold in the world!
August 1, 2011
Smart Fools
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7
I have spent numerous years attending formalized instruction. From high school and college to numerous naval classes ranging from nuclear power plant operation to missile flight planning. However, none of this education has provided the essential ingredient for spiritual living – knowledge. Solomon provides the key to knowledge above in the opening part of the verse. He didn't recommend becoming a Rhodes Scholar but rather fear (respect) of the Lord. The wisest man known on earth recognized the source of knowledge and freely shared it with us.
Knowledge does not equate to intelligence. I have friends (and a father) who never darkened the door of an institute of higher learning, yet they can discern how to live a Christian life and fix some of the most technically challenging problems that leave educated people baffled. How is this?
Jesus states in Matt 13:11, "He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given." And Paul further explains in 1 Cor 2:12-13 that it is through receiving the Holy Spirit that we gain spiritual knowledge. What is the first step? Accept Jesus Christ as your Savior. He will guide you through his Holy Spirit, if you will let him, to make the right choices in your life.
While intelligence is to be respected, never place book sense over heart sense. Otherwise, you can become a smart fool.
I have spent numerous years attending formalized instruction. From high school and college to numerous naval classes ranging from nuclear power plant operation to missile flight planning. However, none of this education has provided the essential ingredient for spiritual living – knowledge. Solomon provides the key to knowledge above in the opening part of the verse. He didn't recommend becoming a Rhodes Scholar but rather fear (respect) of the Lord. The wisest man known on earth recognized the source of knowledge and freely shared it with us.
Knowledge does not equate to intelligence. I have friends (and a father) who never darkened the door of an institute of higher learning, yet they can discern how to live a Christian life and fix some of the most technically challenging problems that leave educated people baffled. How is this?
Jesus states in Matt 13:11, "He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given." And Paul further explains in 1 Cor 2:12-13 that it is through receiving the Holy Spirit that we gain spiritual knowledge. What is the first step? Accept Jesus Christ as your Savior. He will guide you through his Holy Spirit, if you will let him, to make the right choices in your life.
While intelligence is to be respected, never place book sense over heart sense. Otherwise, you can become a smart fool.
July 19, 2011
Glory Over Anger
The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression. Proverbs 19:11
Solomon defines many aspects of obtaining glory but this may be one of the hardest to achieve. While we may be able to pass over the insensitive waitress, the person that cuts you off at the register or other rude acts by strangers. It is much more difficult to apply the same principle to those we love. Pride causes us to harbor anger in our hearts when we feel that we have been ignored, scorned or rejected by those significant in our life. Which has a greater impact? Both today and in our near future, damaged relationships falter as we hold on to these feelings.
Paul tells us to not let the sun go down on our anger (Ephesians 4:26). What a better way to obtain glory than taking the first step in forgiving those you love?
Solomon defines many aspects of obtaining glory but this may be one of the hardest to achieve. While we may be able to pass over the insensitive waitress, the person that cuts you off at the register or other rude acts by strangers. It is much more difficult to apply the same principle to those we love. Pride causes us to harbor anger in our hearts when we feel that we have been ignored, scorned or rejected by those significant in our life. Which has a greater impact? Both today and in our near future, damaged relationships falter as we hold on to these feelings.
Paul tells us to not let the sun go down on our anger (Ephesians 4:26). What a better way to obtain glory than taking the first step in forgiving those you love?
July 17, 2011
A True Friend
A friend loveth at all times…. Proverbs 17:17
True friendship is not convenient. As shown above, it not when it is convenient or to our gain but always. Likewise, the verb is an action verb – how do you show your friends that you love them? Sometimes it is the smallest act that is appreciated the most – taking time just to listen or sending them a random note. Solomon gives us the key to being a true friend in Proverbs 18:24.
Jesus wants to be our friend as well. He describes his desire and the expectations of us in John 15:13-15. Have you made the decision to call Him friend? Have you made the choice to follow his teachings?
Let us take time today to thank the Lord for the blessings of friends and strive to be a loving friend to others.
True friendship is not convenient. As shown above, it not when it is convenient or to our gain but always. Likewise, the verb is an action verb – how do you show your friends that you love them? Sometimes it is the smallest act that is appreciated the most – taking time just to listen or sending them a random note. Solomon gives us the key to being a true friend in Proverbs 18:24.
Jesus wants to be our friend as well. He describes his desire and the expectations of us in John 15:13-15. Have you made the decision to call Him friend? Have you made the choice to follow his teachings?
Let us take time today to thank the Lord for the blessings of friends and strive to be a loving friend to others.
July 8, 2011
Lofty Goals Achieved
For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
Proverbs 8:7
Have you ever been hurt by the words of others? I am talking about gut wrenching, heart breaking words that tear you apart on the inside. And the pain just doesn't go away quickly - it lingers and festers within you. It wakes you at night, it causes a loss of appetite and your blood pressure soar each time you think of the words and how they were delivered. While cuts and broken bones heal with time, often those bitter words wreak havoc within us for years to come. And who said " Sticks and stones may break my bones, But words can never hurt me"? Surely, they have not experienced such pain and agony from such bitter words.
While it is easy to loathe the insensitive couth that uttered the words, it rattles us to think that we too can be as careless with our words. But look at the verse quoted by Solomon. Oh, to have such a mouth! It seems as if honey is drizzled on each and every word making it more palatable. But does it?
The truth is not always pleasant. When I am coached on my wieght or bad habits, it doesn't make me smile. But if the words are delivered in truth and with love, they are palatable without resentment and hatred. But how can such a contradiction exist? Simple, read the verses above our quoted scripture. Who is speaking in verse 7? Wisdom. Yes, the aspect of our life that guides us in what to say and how to say it. If we are truly Christians, we should not have malic toward another. But we can offer correction. It is how it is delivered. And yes, wisdom will guide us in when and how to say the painful but truthful comment in a manner that is positively received.
Solomon repeatedly challenges us to seek wisdom. Have you seeked in earnest? Have you applied the instructions to your daily life? If so, the loft goal of speaking wisely can be achieved.
Proverbs 8:7
Have you ever been hurt by the words of others? I am talking about gut wrenching, heart breaking words that tear you apart on the inside. And the pain just doesn't go away quickly - it lingers and festers within you. It wakes you at night, it causes a loss of appetite and your blood pressure soar each time you think of the words and how they were delivered. While cuts and broken bones heal with time, often those bitter words wreak havoc within us for years to come. And who said " Sticks and stones may break my bones, But words can never hurt me"? Surely, they have not experienced such pain and agony from such bitter words.
While it is easy to loathe the insensitive couth that uttered the words, it rattles us to think that we too can be as careless with our words. But look at the verse quoted by Solomon. Oh, to have such a mouth! It seems as if honey is drizzled on each and every word making it more palatable. But does it?
The truth is not always pleasant. When I am coached on my wieght or bad habits, it doesn't make me smile. But if the words are delivered in truth and with love, they are palatable without resentment and hatred. But how can such a contradiction exist? Simple, read the verses above our quoted scripture. Who is speaking in verse 7? Wisdom. Yes, the aspect of our life that guides us in what to say and how to say it. If we are truly Christians, we should not have malic toward another. But we can offer correction. It is how it is delivered. And yes, wisdom will guide us in when and how to say the painful but truthful comment in a manner that is positively received.
Solomon repeatedly challenges us to seek wisdom. Have you seeked in earnest? Have you applied the instructions to your daily life? If so, the loft goal of speaking wisely can be achieved.
July 7, 2011
Strength For The Battle
For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her.
Proverbs 7:26
I am an avid fan of SEC Football (War Eagle!). I love to watch the battle in the trenches between some of the strongest and fastest men in college. Each year, there seems to be one defensive lineman at one of the SEC universities that is stronger and faster than the whole offensive line. He rips through the line and makes crushing tackles and game-saving sacks seem like an every day thing. They have my utmost respect and admiration for mastering the game of college football.
But even the best of these are no match to temptation. Solomon goes in great detail to describe the horrendous effects of yielding to temptation. Even from my example above, not a season goes by that the news doesn't cover some star athlete that falls prey to temptation that results in his expulsion from what he does best.
And the same applies to our Christian life. We can not overcome temptation by brute strength or chanting the same mantra repeatedly. We must have His strength to protect us. And it is only through maintaining a strong relationship with God through prayer and studying His word that we have a fighting chance to win the battle against temptation.
Perhaps we should have the same commitment to our regimen of following Christ as the athletes do with physical conditioning. If we were as dedicated to daily practicing His word, we would have the ability to resist all temptation!
Proverbs 7:26
I am an avid fan of SEC Football (War Eagle!). I love to watch the battle in the trenches between some of the strongest and fastest men in college. Each year, there seems to be one defensive lineman at one of the SEC universities that is stronger and faster than the whole offensive line. He rips through the line and makes crushing tackles and game-saving sacks seem like an every day thing. They have my utmost respect and admiration for mastering the game of college football.
But even the best of these are no match to temptation. Solomon goes in great detail to describe the horrendous effects of yielding to temptation. Even from my example above, not a season goes by that the news doesn't cover some star athlete that falls prey to temptation that results in his expulsion from what he does best.
And the same applies to our Christian life. We can not overcome temptation by brute strength or chanting the same mantra repeatedly. We must have His strength to protect us. And it is only through maintaining a strong relationship with God through prayer and studying His word that we have a fighting chance to win the battle against temptation.
Perhaps we should have the same commitment to our regimen of following Christ as the athletes do with physical conditioning. If we were as dedicated to daily practicing His word, we would have the ability to resist all temptation!
July 6, 2011
A Constant Reminder
Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.
Proverbs 6:21
Solomon exhorts us to remember the instructions and commandments passed down to us by our parents. This is the second of three times that he encourages us to bind them upon our hearts. Surprisingly, his direction is an abbreviated form of the guidance given in Deuteronomy 6:6-9 by Moses. Moses directs the children of Israel to keep the words in their heart, to teach their children, to talk of it when sitting in their house or walking or lying down or rising up, to bind them upon their hand, to keep them as frontlets between their eyes and to write them upon their posts and gates. Essentially, Moses never wanted them to forget the commandment which he gave them.
And what great commandment was Moses and Solomon concerned with? And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. (Deut 6:5) And just to be sure we got the message, Jesus repeated the first commandment in Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30 and Luke 10:27. I think we can all agree, the first commandment should have the highest priority in our life.
But what have we done today to remember it? What do you use as a constant reminder of the fundamental law of being one of His own? If we all kept the law in front of us, what a different world we would live in! So join me in reminding ourselves the basic law of Christianity. To commit all that we have to our Lord and to remember His Law continually.
Proverbs 6:21
Solomon exhorts us to remember the instructions and commandments passed down to us by our parents. This is the second of three times that he encourages us to bind them upon our hearts. Surprisingly, his direction is an abbreviated form of the guidance given in Deuteronomy 6:6-9 by Moses. Moses directs the children of Israel to keep the words in their heart, to teach their children, to talk of it when sitting in their house or walking or lying down or rising up, to bind them upon their hand, to keep them as frontlets between their eyes and to write them upon their posts and gates. Essentially, Moses never wanted them to forget the commandment which he gave them.
And what great commandment was Moses and Solomon concerned with? And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. (Deut 6:5) And just to be sure we got the message, Jesus repeated the first commandment in Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30 and Luke 10:27. I think we can all agree, the first commandment should have the highest priority in our life.
But what have we done today to remember it? What do you use as a constant reminder of the fundamental law of being one of His own? If we all kept the law in front of us, what a different world we would live in! So join me in reminding ourselves the basic law of Christianity. To commit all that we have to our Lord and to remember His Law continually.
July 5, 2011
The Hopelessness of Self-help
And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed, And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;
Proverbs 5:11-12
Solomon paints a pretty graphic picture of failing to heed instruction. When we choose to do things our own way, we end up such a dismal situation that we can almost see the buzzards circling around us. We too lament our situation much like the second verse above. While we get ourselves in such a predicament, there is only One who can restore us whole and clean.
And the most comforting words were spoken by Paul in Romans 5:8. For we can not reverse the situation through self-help. If we were to rely solely on our own actions, we would be hopeless. For it is hopeless to rely on self-help to restore what has been broken. Only our loving Savior who gave His life for us can rescue us from the mire of our own will. And He freely gave His life long before we realized the hopelessness of our situation.
Quite trying to do it on your own and give it to Jesus. Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7 Surrender to His will and the buzzards will leave. Try to help yourself and the buzzards will have a feast.
Proverbs 5:11-12
Solomon paints a pretty graphic picture of failing to heed instruction. When we choose to do things our own way, we end up such a dismal situation that we can almost see the buzzards circling around us. We too lament our situation much like the second verse above. While we get ourselves in such a predicament, there is only One who can restore us whole and clean.
And the most comforting words were spoken by Paul in Romans 5:8. For we can not reverse the situation through self-help. If we were to rely solely on our own actions, we would be hopeless. For it is hopeless to rely on self-help to restore what has been broken. Only our loving Savior who gave His life for us can rescue us from the mire of our own will. And He freely gave His life long before we realized the hopelessness of our situation.
Quite trying to do it on your own and give it to Jesus. Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7 Surrender to His will and the buzzards will leave. Try to help yourself and the buzzards will have a feast.
