B.C. Bolt's Blog, page 78
February 26, 2011
Backfired Plans
Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.
Proverbs 26:27
Too often, we try to take matters into our own hands instead of letting God be in charge. This is especially true when it comes to our enemies. We feel that we must plan and execute a strategy to get even and seek revenge. Did God not protect the Israelites for thousands of years in the Old Testament? Did He not take care of His chosen ones throughout the New Testament? Does He still not take care of His children today? Then what makes us think we can do better than God? Romans 12:19 states - "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."
Yet we continue to try to interject our own vengeance. Solomon warns us above that when we plot against others, our plans backfire upon us. Don't we have enough trouble dealing with the issues presented by our detractors without creating havoc for ourselves? Give up on the revenge business and let God take care of it. He knows better than we in all things - especially how to really get at someone where it really hurts. Otherwise, we will only be creating more misery for ourselves when our plans backfire!
Proverbs 26:27
Too often, we try to take matters into our own hands instead of letting God be in charge. This is especially true when it comes to our enemies. We feel that we must plan and execute a strategy to get even and seek revenge. Did God not protect the Israelites for thousands of years in the Old Testament? Did He not take care of His chosen ones throughout the New Testament? Does He still not take care of His children today? Then what makes us think we can do better than God? Romans 12:19 states - "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."
Yet we continue to try to interject our own vengeance. Solomon warns us above that when we plot against others, our plans backfire upon us. Don't we have enough trouble dealing with the issues presented by our detractors without creating havoc for ourselves? Give up on the revenge business and let God take care of it. He knows better than we in all things - especially how to really get at someone where it really hurts. Otherwise, we will only be creating more misery for ourselves when our plans backfire!
February 25, 2011
Too Much of a Good Thing
Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.
Proverbs 25:16
Solomon aptly describes the downfall of humans in the verse above. We discover something that is good and good for us. Then we over-indulge to the point that it becomes bad for us. The same is true in many other aspects of our life. People become so obsessed with physical beauty that it ruins them and their appearance. Some sports fans become so engrossed that no one can stand to be around them.
God has provided us many blessings that we can enjoy. However, when we take it to extremes, it has an adverse effect upon our life. As my Dad used to say, "balance is a beautiful thing". Doing without or over-indulging are wrong and can be harmful, but a balance can bring joy.
What areas of your life need a little restraint? Have you become addicted or obsessed with these items? Ask God to assist you in balancing their impact upon your life.
Proverbs 25:16
Solomon aptly describes the downfall of humans in the verse above. We discover something that is good and good for us. Then we over-indulge to the point that it becomes bad for us. The same is true in many other aspects of our life. People become so obsessed with physical beauty that it ruins them and their appearance. Some sports fans become so engrossed that no one can stand to be around them.
God has provided us many blessings that we can enjoy. However, when we take it to extremes, it has an adverse effect upon our life. As my Dad used to say, "balance is a beautiful thing". Doing without or over-indulging are wrong and can be harmful, but a balance can bring joy.
What areas of your life need a little restraint? Have you become addicted or obsessed with these items? Ask God to assist you in balancing their impact upon your life.
February 24, 2011
What is your Name?
He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person.
Proverbs 24:8
We are all given a name upon birth. However, we are often called by many other names over the course of our life. Many of these are based upon our behavior or presumed behavior. Solomon describes the actions associated with a mischievous person in the verse above.
What is your name? Do people recognize the love of Christ within you? Or is it hidden by the human characteristics of your life? It should embarrass us to bring shame upon Christ when we are perceived as something beside Christ-like due to our human nature. After his ultimate sacrifice for our salvation, the least we can do it is to demonstrate His love to others.
Carefully consider how others perceive you. They should see Christ vice our human nature. If not, we need to hide ourselves behind the cross so that only He is shown to others.
Proverbs 24:8
We are all given a name upon birth. However, we are often called by many other names over the course of our life. Many of these are based upon our behavior or presumed behavior. Solomon describes the actions associated with a mischievous person in the verse above.
What is your name? Do people recognize the love of Christ within you? Or is it hidden by the human characteristics of your life? It should embarrass us to bring shame upon Christ when we are perceived as something beside Christ-like due to our human nature. After his ultimate sacrifice for our salvation, the least we can do it is to demonstrate His love to others.
Carefully consider how others perceive you. They should see Christ vice our human nature. If not, we need to hide ourselves behind the cross so that only He is shown to others.
February 22, 2011
When the End is Not the End
For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.
Proverbs 23:18
In Ecclesiastes 3, Solomon defines there is a time to every purpose under heaven. However, in this short verse, Solomon discusses the finality of purposes under heaven. All things must end. We are saddened when joyful events cease but we are relieved when painful events are no more.
We are told in Hebrews 9:27 - And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. Pretty final, huh? The end of life as we know it. All of those treasures and accolades: useless. All of the money we hoarded: useless. The lasting relationships we have developed: gone.
But there is one thing that endures - our soul. As stated in Hebrews, life does end but not our future. Where will we spend eternity? It depends upon the choice we have made in this life. Do we have an expectation to spend eternity with Christ in heaven? Or do we just view death as the final end?
Let us change our perspective on "the end". For the end is truly the begining of life-ever-after.
Proverbs 23:18
In Ecclesiastes 3, Solomon defines there is a time to every purpose under heaven. However, in this short verse, Solomon discusses the finality of purposes under heaven. All things must end. We are saddened when joyful events cease but we are relieved when painful events are no more.
We are told in Hebrews 9:27 - And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. Pretty final, huh? The end of life as we know it. All of those treasures and accolades: useless. All of the money we hoarded: useless. The lasting relationships we have developed: gone.
But there is one thing that endures - our soul. As stated in Hebrews, life does end but not our future. Where will we spend eternity? It depends upon the choice we have made in this life. Do we have an expectation to spend eternity with Christ in heaven? Or do we just view death as the final end?
Let us change our perspective on "the end". For the end is truly the begining of life-ever-after.
Breaking Bread
He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.
Proverbs 22:9
Solomon assures us that we will be blessed if we share our bread with the poor. He didn't ask us to share the fatted calf, treasures, or land. Just the necessity of life. Seems simple enough. But it is so hard to do. When we have worked hard to gather the fruits of our efforts, the last thing we want to do is to share the bounty with someone who has not lifted a finger to aid us in the toils.
Once again, we are asked to share the necessity of life - bread. It will sustain the hungriest of persons but more importantly, it has a huge connection throughout the Bible. The angel brought Elijah bread and water, twice, to sustain his forty day journey to Horeb (1 Kings 19:6). More significantly, in Matthew 26:26 - And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
When we share bread with the poor, are we simply sustaining them physically? Or are we sharing the love of Christ? The second form of bread will make an eternal impact on their soul. So when you pause to "break bread" with the poor, remember who gave you the riches to share in the first place. Did He not freely give unto us when we were not worthy?
Proverbs 22:9
Solomon assures us that we will be blessed if we share our bread with the poor. He didn't ask us to share the fatted calf, treasures, or land. Just the necessity of life. Seems simple enough. But it is so hard to do. When we have worked hard to gather the fruits of our efforts, the last thing we want to do is to share the bounty with someone who has not lifted a finger to aid us in the toils.
Once again, we are asked to share the necessity of life - bread. It will sustain the hungriest of persons but more importantly, it has a huge connection throughout the Bible. The angel brought Elijah bread and water, twice, to sustain his forty day journey to Horeb (1 Kings 19:6). More significantly, in Matthew 26:26 - And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
When we share bread with the poor, are we simply sustaining them physically? Or are we sharing the love of Christ? The second form of bread will make an eternal impact on their soul. So when you pause to "break bread" with the poor, remember who gave you the riches to share in the first place. Did He not freely give unto us when we were not worthy?
February 21, 2011
Proper Priorities
He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
Proverbs 21:17
My father taught me that it wasn't how much money you made but how you spent the money that determines the quality of your life. He stated that everyone has their own set of priorities on how to spend their earnings. Many were wise and had much to show for their meager income while others never seemed to have enough for the necessities of life. He stated that it was determined by how they set their priorities. Some had rather have a new car or boat than to have a bathroom that functioned properly. As he wisely stated, you must make a choice with each dollar you earn.
Solomon alluded to the same in the verse above - those who care about the pleasures of the world will never be rich. You would think we could have learned by now how to resist such temptations. But, alas, we still waste our money on short-term pleasures.
Are we squandering our most valuable treasure? Do we allow our heart to chase after temporary temptations or are we growing a mature heart that is looking forward to the here-after? Much like our financial situation, our heart may be continually broke if we fail to have the proper priorities. If we get our heart right with God, the rest of our decisions will follow his wise guidance.
Proverbs 21:17
My father taught me that it wasn't how much money you made but how you spent the money that determines the quality of your life. He stated that everyone has their own set of priorities on how to spend their earnings. Many were wise and had much to show for their meager income while others never seemed to have enough for the necessities of life. He stated that it was determined by how they set their priorities. Some had rather have a new car or boat than to have a bathroom that functioned properly. As he wisely stated, you must make a choice with each dollar you earn.
Solomon alluded to the same in the verse above - those who care about the pleasures of the world will never be rich. You would think we could have learned by now how to resist such temptations. But, alas, we still waste our money on short-term pleasures.
Are we squandering our most valuable treasure? Do we allow our heart to chase after temporary temptations or are we growing a mature heart that is looking forward to the here-after? Much like our financial situation, our heart may be continually broke if we fail to have the proper priorities. If we get our heart right with God, the rest of our decisions will follow his wise guidance.
February 20, 2011
Tooting Your Own Horn
Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?
Proverbs 20:6
We have a tendency of "tooting our own horn" to gain recognition from our friends. It may be subtle as "My back is sore from helping clean the widow's yard" to flashy as recognition before the whole congregation for a large charitable act. Unfortunately, we have wasted our efforts for serving God for we have just gotten our pubic reward vice a blessing from God.
Jesus spent a major portion of his Sermon on the Mount teaching about such behavior (Matthew 6:1-7). He warns against seeking public recognition but rather seek his reward in private. Which do you prefer - public recognition or private blessings from God? While the choice is simple, the ability to silence our horn of bragging is sometimes hard to do.
We should control our mouth in bragging in our support of others. For God will see our efforts and reward us beyond our wildest imagination. Join me in leaving our horn of bragging in the closet where we seek God!
Proverbs 20:6
We have a tendency of "tooting our own horn" to gain recognition from our friends. It may be subtle as "My back is sore from helping clean the widow's yard" to flashy as recognition before the whole congregation for a large charitable act. Unfortunately, we have wasted our efforts for serving God for we have just gotten our pubic reward vice a blessing from God.
Jesus spent a major portion of his Sermon on the Mount teaching about such behavior (Matthew 6:1-7). He warns against seeking public recognition but rather seek his reward in private. Which do you prefer - public recognition or private blessings from God? While the choice is simple, the ability to silence our horn of bragging is sometimes hard to do.
We should control our mouth in bragging in our support of others. For God will see our efforts and reward us beyond our wildest imagination. Join me in leaving our horn of bragging in the closet where we seek God!
February 19, 2011
Fast Fleeing Friends
All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.
Proverbs 19:7
Solomon paints a pretty grim picture in this verse - the individual is poor and his friends are fleeing from him while he is pleading with them. Quite a dismal situation. Have you ever been is such a situation? All seems lost and no one cares. The harder you try to appease your so-called friends, the faster they disappear.
I am reminded of David's plight after being anointed to be king by Samuel. He was successful in following God's will but unsuccessful in friendship. His closest friend, Jonathan, had to send him away due to the wrath of Saul. David fled across the mountains with a tattered group of men that might have been considered supporters and friends... until they also turned against him on numerous occasions. Each time, we are told that David threw himself down before God. And David defines the results in 2 Samuel 22.
We should follow David's example of not chasing after our friends but falling before God. He is able to sustain us in our times of trials and desertion. Jesus promises us comfort in 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. Why should we worry when we have been promised a comforter? Let friends flee, for the Holy Spirit will remain.
Proverbs 19:7
Solomon paints a pretty grim picture in this verse - the individual is poor and his friends are fleeing from him while he is pleading with them. Quite a dismal situation. Have you ever been is such a situation? All seems lost and no one cares. The harder you try to appease your so-called friends, the faster they disappear.
I am reminded of David's plight after being anointed to be king by Samuel. He was successful in following God's will but unsuccessful in friendship. His closest friend, Jonathan, had to send him away due to the wrath of Saul. David fled across the mountains with a tattered group of men that might have been considered supporters and friends... until they also turned against him on numerous occasions. Each time, we are told that David threw himself down before God. And David defines the results in 2 Samuel 22.
We should follow David's example of not chasing after our friends but falling before God. He is able to sustain us in our times of trials and desertion. Jesus promises us comfort in 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. Why should we worry when we have been promised a comforter? Let friends flee, for the Holy Spirit will remain.
February 18, 2011
The Babbling Brook
The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
Proverbs 18:4
I enjoy taking walks in the woods because you can't not miss God's awesome power in all of his creations. One of the most peaceful features in the woods is a babbling brook. Its sound is so soothing and refreshing. Sit down near a stream and close your eyes. The sound soothes and relaxes you to where you troubles seem to melt away. Entreprenuers have marketed the sound and made small fountains that mimic the sound of flowing water to relieve stress. Clearly, there is a large demand for such sounds and its effects are well known.
Solomon defines the wellspring of wisdom as the same. The wellspring, or source, of wisdom is our creator. And when He gives us wisdom, we are at peace. Many will try to duplicate it but nothing compares to the origional. In fact Jesus tells us in John 4:14 - But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
Do you have the well of eternal life within you? Are you providing the stream to others? As it flows from us, it gives peace to those around us. Start your own babbling brook within you so that others may find peace from your Father's wellspring.
Proverbs 18:4
I enjoy taking walks in the woods because you can't not miss God's awesome power in all of his creations. One of the most peaceful features in the woods is a babbling brook. Its sound is so soothing and refreshing. Sit down near a stream and close your eyes. The sound soothes and relaxes you to where you troubles seem to melt away. Entreprenuers have marketed the sound and made small fountains that mimic the sound of flowing water to relieve stress. Clearly, there is a large demand for such sounds and its effects are well known.
Solomon defines the wellspring of wisdom as the same. The wellspring, or source, of wisdom is our creator. And when He gives us wisdom, we are at peace. Many will try to duplicate it but nothing compares to the origional. In fact Jesus tells us in John 4:14 - But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
Do you have the well of eternal life within you? Are you providing the stream to others? As it flows from us, it gives peace to those around us. Start your own babbling brook within you so that others may find peace from your Father's wellspring.
February 17, 2011
Put A Finger In It
The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
Proverbs 17:14
We are all familiar with the story of the little Dutch boy who stuck his finger in the dyke to avert disaster. Solomon precedes this story with the same description of averting disaster caused by strife with others. If contentions never start, strife never follows. What a simple concept for reducing strife with our fellow-man!
If the practical application was so simple, life would be great. However, we and others fail to stop the predecessor to strife - contention with others. These contentions start by simple acts, sometimes not recognized until too late, or by angry outbursts that produces comments we all later regret. It seems as if it is normal human nature to offend others without recognizing the impact of our actions and words. And it is.
Unless we have the love of Christ in our hearts and allow Him to guide our every thought and deed, we are at risk of offending others. Only through his grace and guidance can we be assured that our thoughts and actions are pure. When we are tempted to do "what everyone else does", we need to stop such action and think how Jesus would have acted in such a situation. He gave us plenty of examples to learn from: scorned, rejected, abused, slandered and crucified. If we truly want to be Christ-like, we need to follow his examples.
So the next time you are tempted to "pop off", stick a finger in the tiny hole so a flood of sinful actions don't follow. It will save you from much pain and strife.
Proverbs 17:14
We are all familiar with the story of the little Dutch boy who stuck his finger in the dyke to avert disaster. Solomon precedes this story with the same description of averting disaster caused by strife with others. If contentions never start, strife never follows. What a simple concept for reducing strife with our fellow-man!
If the practical application was so simple, life would be great. However, we and others fail to stop the predecessor to strife - contention with others. These contentions start by simple acts, sometimes not recognized until too late, or by angry outbursts that produces comments we all later regret. It seems as if it is normal human nature to offend others without recognizing the impact of our actions and words. And it is.
Unless we have the love of Christ in our hearts and allow Him to guide our every thought and deed, we are at risk of offending others. Only through his grace and guidance can we be assured that our thoughts and actions are pure. When we are tempted to do "what everyone else does", we need to stop such action and think how Jesus would have acted in such a situation. He gave us plenty of examples to learn from: scorned, rejected, abused, slandered and crucified. If we truly want to be Christ-like, we need to follow his examples.
So the next time you are tempted to "pop off", stick a finger in the tiny hole so a flood of sinful actions don't follow. It will save you from much pain and strife.
