B.C. Bolt's Blog, page 66
July 4, 2011
The Tar-Baby of Salvation
Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.
Proverbs 4:13
In Uncle Remus story of Brer Rabbit, he encounters a Tar Baby made of tar and turpentine. The more he struggles with the Tar Baby, the more entrapped he becomes. Soon he can not break away and the fox has the rabbit where he wants him - all tied up in the tar! Too often, we become ensnared by the wiles of temptation of this world. It gets to the point where the more we struggle, the more we become entrapped by the clutches of sin. Only through the grace of God are we able to escape.
If only instruction and wisdom was the same way! However, Solomon warns us in the verse above that this is not the case with instruction. She appears more like a greased pig than a tar baby - hard to catch and even harder to hold on to once caught! We need to follow his advice and aggressively seek instruction on how to life a Christian life.
While hearing instruction is not hard, the implementation within our current lifestyle sometimes becomes the challenge. Have you captured instructions lately and held on fast by incorporating them into your life? As they say, practice becomes habit and we need to practice Christian living daily so that we become the tar baby to salvation!
Proverbs 4:13
In Uncle Remus story of Brer Rabbit, he encounters a Tar Baby made of tar and turpentine. The more he struggles with the Tar Baby, the more entrapped he becomes. Soon he can not break away and the fox has the rabbit where he wants him - all tied up in the tar! Too often, we become ensnared by the wiles of temptation of this world. It gets to the point where the more we struggle, the more we become entrapped by the clutches of sin. Only through the grace of God are we able to escape.
If only instruction and wisdom was the same way! However, Solomon warns us in the verse above that this is not the case with instruction. She appears more like a greased pig than a tar baby - hard to catch and even harder to hold on to once caught! We need to follow his advice and aggressively seek instruction on how to life a Christian life.
While hearing instruction is not hard, the implementation within our current lifestyle sometimes becomes the challenge. Have you captured instructions lately and held on fast by incorporating them into your life? As they say, practice becomes habit and we need to practice Christian living daily so that we become the tar baby to salvation!
July 2, 2011
Foolish Justification
There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD. Proverbs 21:30
It is sometimes amusing to listen to people try to deny God. Whether it is to deny His existence or justify why they have not accepted him as Lord of their life, the excuses are almost laughable. No matter how hard they try, the reasoning just does not stack up for a Believer. And Solomon captures it all above - there simply is no basis against God.
So why do people continue to struggle with such a simple concept? They are simply trying too hard! Salvation is not built upon scientific proof or historical accuracy but upon child-like trust. Jesus tells us in Mark 10:15- Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. A child does not try to use logic to make a decision - simply trust. So must we approach God for salvation. The proof comes upon believing in Him. While you may have difficulty verbalizing your emotions and trust - you will know deep down in your heart and soul that he exists.
While we may struggle trying to lead others to Christ. When they have many rebuttals based upon science, public opinion and history - we need to pause from the debate. We are not here to debate or prove but to present a living example of God's love. If we follow His will, He will take care of the rest.
It is sometimes amusing to listen to people try to deny God. Whether it is to deny His existence or justify why they have not accepted him as Lord of their life, the excuses are almost laughable. No matter how hard they try, the reasoning just does not stack up for a Believer. And Solomon captures it all above - there simply is no basis against God.
So why do people continue to struggle with such a simple concept? They are simply trying too hard! Salvation is not built upon scientific proof or historical accuracy but upon child-like trust. Jesus tells us in Mark 10:15- Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. A child does not try to use logic to make a decision - simply trust. So must we approach God for salvation. The proof comes upon believing in Him. While you may have difficulty verbalizing your emotions and trust - you will know deep down in your heart and soul that he exists.
While we may struggle trying to lead others to Christ. When they have many rebuttals based upon science, public opinion and history - we need to pause from the debate. We are not here to debate or prove but to present a living example of God's love. If we follow His will, He will take care of the rest.
A Painful Promise
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
I can't imagine the number of parents that have clung to the promise in the verse above. While we strive to teach our children in the way of the Lord, it is hard to allow them to "grow up" and make their own decisions. Whether it be their marriage partner, career or spending habits, we have the tendency to impart the wisdom from our own experience. While the "School of Hard Knocks" may be the best teacher, we definitely don't want our children to make the same mistakes we have made during the course of life. We only want the best for them, including a close relationship with God.
Much like all other aspects of parenting, the best teaching is accomplished through leading by example. Do we share with our children how we spend time each day studying God's word or do we demonstrate a "Sunday Only" approach to Christianity? They will see on a daily basis just how committed we are to living a Christian life.
We must face the fact that as our children grow, they must be allowed to make their own decisions. Much like Christ allows us to make a decision to serve him. While He is able to force us to follow his will, it is by our own choice that we choose to obey. And the same privilege should be afforded to our children. While we don't like it, they must make the decision on their own.
As a Follower of Jesus, let's follow His example: teaching the way to salvation, the keys to a christian life and allowing each to make their own decision. It hurts to allow such freedom but the joy when they reach the decision to follow Christ is well worth the pain!
I can't imagine the number of parents that have clung to the promise in the verse above. While we strive to teach our children in the way of the Lord, it is hard to allow them to "grow up" and make their own decisions. Whether it be their marriage partner, career or spending habits, we have the tendency to impart the wisdom from our own experience. While the "School of Hard Knocks" may be the best teacher, we definitely don't want our children to make the same mistakes we have made during the course of life. We only want the best for them, including a close relationship with God.
Much like all other aspects of parenting, the best teaching is accomplished through leading by example. Do we share with our children how we spend time each day studying God's word or do we demonstrate a "Sunday Only" approach to Christianity? They will see on a daily basis just how committed we are to living a Christian life.
We must face the fact that as our children grow, they must be allowed to make their own decisions. Much like Christ allows us to make a decision to serve him. While He is able to force us to follow his will, it is by our own choice that we choose to obey. And the same privilege should be afforded to our children. While we don't like it, they must make the decision on their own.
As a Follower of Jesus, let's follow His example: teaching the way to salvation, the keys to a christian life and allowing each to make their own decision. It hurts to allow such freedom but the joy when they reach the decision to follow Christ is well worth the pain!
The Best Lawyer
Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless: For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee. Proverbs 23:10-11
People are cheated on a daily basis. Many are not be able to defend themselves physically, mentally or financially. And those who benefit scoff at the concept of equality in dealing with others. "Let the buyer beware" they laughingly say. However, I would counter that "cheaters beware of the Avenger".
Jesus tells us to turn the other check and forgive multiple times. The verse above provides comfort in knowing that God protects us. While we may be taken advantage of in christian dealings with others, we know that the Mighty One will plead our cause. What a comfort! But I shudder to be on the wrong end of that situation! It causes me to think twice in my dealings with others - am I treating others as Jesus would? If not, will he plead their case with me?
Let's look at our relationship with others today. Do we have the best defense or the worst prosecution lawyer facing us in the relationship? I am defenseless in defending my abuse of others when questioned by Christ. But likewise, my defenseless actions are defended by the best lawyer in the universe!
People are cheated on a daily basis. Many are not be able to defend themselves physically, mentally or financially. And those who benefit scoff at the concept of equality in dealing with others. "Let the buyer beware" they laughingly say. However, I would counter that "cheaters beware of the Avenger".
Jesus tells us to turn the other check and forgive multiple times. The verse above provides comfort in knowing that God protects us. While we may be taken advantage of in christian dealings with others, we know that the Mighty One will plead our cause. What a comfort! But I shudder to be on the wrong end of that situation! It causes me to think twice in my dealings with others - am I treating others as Jesus would? If not, will he plead their case with me?
Let's look at our relationship with others today. Do we have the best defense or the worst prosecution lawyer facing us in the relationship? I am defenseless in defending my abuse of others when questioned by Christ. But likewise, my defenseless actions are defended by the best lawyer in the universe!
Preparing for War
For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety. Proverbs 24:6
Solomon gives great advice for developing war plans. If we were Admirals and Generals in the military, we could benefit from this advice. But does it really apply to our daily lives? You bet! Paul clearly defines our daily battles in Ephesians 6:11-18. Alas, we are at war daily with the temptations of the world.
So let's look at the verse in how it applies to us in our daily battle. Who has the ability to provide "wise counsel"? While we may be quick to think of strong christian mentors that help guide us in our christian journey, let's see what Jesus says in John 14:26 - "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." Now that is some one upon who we can trust for wise counsel!! By listening to the Holy Spirit within us, we are led in a manner to win our daily battles.
Likewise, Jesus promises us safety and peace in the following verse of John 14:27 - "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." Solomon refers to the multitude of counselors. And I can't think of a better multitude than the Holy Trinity. With the Holy Ghost within us and the Father and Son communing with us, we are assured the peace of God (Philippians 4:7)
So let us prepare ourselves each morning for our daily battle with the enemy by seeking the counsel of the Holy Ghost and seek the peace that only God can provide.
Solomon gives great advice for developing war plans. If we were Admirals and Generals in the military, we could benefit from this advice. But does it really apply to our daily lives? You bet! Paul clearly defines our daily battles in Ephesians 6:11-18. Alas, we are at war daily with the temptations of the world.
So let's look at the verse in how it applies to us in our daily battle. Who has the ability to provide "wise counsel"? While we may be quick to think of strong christian mentors that help guide us in our christian journey, let's see what Jesus says in John 14:26 - "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." Now that is some one upon who we can trust for wise counsel!! By listening to the Holy Spirit within us, we are led in a manner to win our daily battles.
Likewise, Jesus promises us safety and peace in the following verse of John 14:27 - "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." Solomon refers to the multitude of counselors. And I can't think of a better multitude than the Holy Trinity. With the Holy Ghost within us and the Father and Son communing with us, we are assured the peace of God (Philippians 4:7)
So let us prepare ourselves each morning for our daily battle with the enemy by seeking the counsel of the Holy Ghost and seek the peace that only God can provide.
Concealed Purpose
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter. Proverbs 25:2
As we become more educated, we feel that we must be able to explain everything. But yet, there are so many things we can never explain. It frustrates us when we are unable to justify why or how things occur. Ever wonder why you are in the situation you are in? Can you fully explain it?
Paul captures it best in Romans 11:33 - "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" And Isaiah 55:8 tells us "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD." So it appears that it is hopeless for us to ever understand what God has in store for us or why we are in a situation that boggles our mind.
But Jesus provides us comfort in our confusion. He tells us in Matthew 7:7-8 - Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. What a comfort! Even when our education leaves us confused, God will provide us answers when we seek him.
As we become more educated, we feel that we must be able to explain everything. But yet, there are so many things we can never explain. It frustrates us when we are unable to justify why or how things occur. Ever wonder why you are in the situation you are in? Can you fully explain it?
Paul captures it best in Romans 11:33 - "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" And Isaiah 55:8 tells us "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD." So it appears that it is hopeless for us to ever understand what God has in store for us or why we are in a situation that boggles our mind.
But Jesus provides us comfort in our confusion. He tells us in Matthew 7:7-8 - Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. What a comfort! Even when our education leaves us confused, God will provide us answers when we seek him.
Contention Ceased
Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. Proverbs 26:20
Have you had a long-running argument with some one? It seems every time that you meet, a heated exchange of words are soon to follow (or maybe just a cold shoulder at each meeting)? At times we wonder, will it ever end. Either they will not see things our way or simply apologize for their actions. Either way, the animosity remains.
Solomon points out that without fuel, the fire goes out. Likewise with our disagreements. Once we cease to be upset by the individuals actions or opinions, the contentions cease. It doesn't have to end in agreement or forgiveness. Simply, we are no longer bothered by their actions. And how is the best way to interrupt such an argument?
Simply to love them as Christ loves us. He gives us the instruction manual in Mathew 5:38-48:
Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
While the instructions are simple, they are not easy to follow. Unless you have the love of Christ in your heart. Show His love for you by showing others His love.
Have you had a long-running argument with some one? It seems every time that you meet, a heated exchange of words are soon to follow (or maybe just a cold shoulder at each meeting)? At times we wonder, will it ever end. Either they will not see things our way or simply apologize for their actions. Either way, the animosity remains.
Solomon points out that without fuel, the fire goes out. Likewise with our disagreements. Once we cease to be upset by the individuals actions or opinions, the contentions cease. It doesn't have to end in agreement or forgiveness. Simply, we are no longer bothered by their actions. And how is the best way to interrupt such an argument?
Simply to love them as Christ loves us. He gives us the instruction manual in Mathew 5:38-48:
Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
While the instructions are simple, they are not easy to follow. Unless you have the love of Christ in your heart. Show His love for you by showing others His love.
Less of Me, More of Others
Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips. Proverbs 27:2
No one enjoys being around the one that has done it all or seen it all. They are the authority on every subject! Their behavior ruins any conversation you attempt by their continuous interruptions based upon their personal experience. They are usually not someone high on your priority list to visit!
While it is easy to disparage others with this disease, it is highly contagious. If we are not careful, we can all succumb to its bitterness. I have caught myself attempting to listen to another pour out his heart only to catch myself interjecting my own experiences during their attempt to share their burdens. What was I missing? God's love. I was too stuck on myself to listen to their issue. I was too busy explaining my own experience to simply listen and show God's love.
Paul describes it best in 1 Cor 13:1 - Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. If we do not show love for others and are simply too hung upon our own experience, we are useless.
Let's focus on showing our love for others by simply listening rather than trying to impress. Most are not looking for a hero, they are simply looking for some one who cares. Jesus cares for us and we should do the same for others.
No one enjoys being around the one that has done it all or seen it all. They are the authority on every subject! Their behavior ruins any conversation you attempt by their continuous interruptions based upon their personal experience. They are usually not someone high on your priority list to visit!
While it is easy to disparage others with this disease, it is highly contagious. If we are not careful, we can all succumb to its bitterness. I have caught myself attempting to listen to another pour out his heart only to catch myself interjecting my own experiences during their attempt to share their burdens. What was I missing? God's love. I was too stuck on myself to listen to their issue. I was too busy explaining my own experience to simply listen and show God's love.
Paul describes it best in 1 Cor 13:1 - Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. If we do not show love for others and are simply too hung upon our own experience, we are useless.
Let's focus on showing our love for others by simply listening rather than trying to impress. Most are not looking for a hero, they are simply looking for some one who cares. Jesus cares for us and we should do the same for others.
Foolish Trust
He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered. Proverbs 28:26
We often think it is cute when we see a toddler trying to do things for themselves. Such independence! But shortly afterwards, we observe the parents chasing after the little one trying to protect it from unforeseen dangers. I imagine our Father in Heaven is much like the parents of the toddler - rushing around to protect us from ourselves and preventing us from encountering unseen dangers.
How often we incorrectly assume that we can handle a situation all by our self? You know the really simple ones that could never go wrong? I mean, we don't have to depend on God for everything - right? Wrong. If we are not allowing God to direct us in every way, we are asking for trouble. David sums it up well in Psalms 20:7-8: Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.
Where do you put your trust? In your own strength or the One that never fails?
We often think it is cute when we see a toddler trying to do things for themselves. Such independence! But shortly afterwards, we observe the parents chasing after the little one trying to protect it from unforeseen dangers. I imagine our Father in Heaven is much like the parents of the toddler - rushing around to protect us from ourselves and preventing us from encountering unseen dangers.
How often we incorrectly assume that we can handle a situation all by our self? You know the really simple ones that could never go wrong? I mean, we don't have to depend on God for everything - right? Wrong. If we are not allowing God to direct us in every way, we are asking for trouble. David sums it up well in Psalms 20:7-8: Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.
Where do you put your trust? In your own strength or the One that never fails?
Smiling Alone
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. Proverbs 29:18
Has life gotten in a rut for you? Each day seems like a miserable repeat of the day before. There is little joy or expectation when you awake. It reminds me of the movies - dark clouds, blustery wind, bitter cold and pelting rain attacks the hapless hero. A vivid image of how our lives can quickly become without a vision or dream.
I think back to the anticipation and excitement I had just prior to turning sixteen. I could hardly wait to get out of bed every day - each morning represented one less day until I got my driver's license! We have experienced the same feeling of hope and anticipation with relationships, marriage, careers and our children. Why? Because we had a vision of things to come! In our minds, we could see where these life-changing dreams would take us.
But over the years, the excitement dies, doubt replaces hope and anticipation becomes dread. We recognize that reality does not necessarily reflect our hopes and dreams. We soon look like all of the other people walking the streets with a blank, worried expression. I challenge you to count the people in a crowded airport (or on the street) that are walking alone and smiling. Why? The fire of hope has become a flickering candle as their vision or dream slowly dies within them.
As Christians, we should be one of the few in a crowded place smiling while being alone. Why? Because we have a vision with a promise - In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:2-3).
Are you looking forward to your mansion? Can you imagine the place the creator has prepared just for you? Can you describe the joy of being with your Savior? The anticipation and excitement should be adequate to put a beaming smile on our face even as we trudge through life's daily chores. Hopefully, I can count your smile in the next airport!
Has life gotten in a rut for you? Each day seems like a miserable repeat of the day before. There is little joy or expectation when you awake. It reminds me of the movies - dark clouds, blustery wind, bitter cold and pelting rain attacks the hapless hero. A vivid image of how our lives can quickly become without a vision or dream.
I think back to the anticipation and excitement I had just prior to turning sixteen. I could hardly wait to get out of bed every day - each morning represented one less day until I got my driver's license! We have experienced the same feeling of hope and anticipation with relationships, marriage, careers and our children. Why? Because we had a vision of things to come! In our minds, we could see where these life-changing dreams would take us.
But over the years, the excitement dies, doubt replaces hope and anticipation becomes dread. We recognize that reality does not necessarily reflect our hopes and dreams. We soon look like all of the other people walking the streets with a blank, worried expression. I challenge you to count the people in a crowded airport (or on the street) that are walking alone and smiling. Why? The fire of hope has become a flickering candle as their vision or dream slowly dies within them.
As Christians, we should be one of the few in a crowded place smiling while being alone. Why? Because we have a vision with a promise - In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:2-3).
Are you looking forward to your mansion? Can you imagine the place the creator has prepared just for you? Can you describe the joy of being with your Savior? The anticipation and excitement should be adequate to put a beaming smile on our face even as we trudge through life's daily chores. Hopefully, I can count your smile in the next airport!
