B.C. Bolt's Blog, page 79
February 16, 2011
The Little Stuff
Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.
Proverbs 16:8
We live in a society that loves to super-size everything. From our meals to our homes, bigger is better. However, Solomon points out above that sometimes less is more. It is always the context in which the magnitude is measured. Jesus gives us an excellent perspective in Luke 21:1-4. While the widow did not contribute enough to pay for printing of the church bulletins, the context in which she gave far exceeded that of the wealthy.
We need to closely review the verse and Jesus's example - for too often we are not satisfied with what we have. We often strive for a little more income, a nicer house or a newer car. Never did Jesus evaluate a person on the magnitude of his possessions. Rather, we are evaluated by what is possessed in our heart. Are we content with what we have? Or do we want just a little more?
If we possess the peace of God in our heart (Philippians 4:5-7), we have plenty. For through our contentment in Christ, we will no longer be worried about the magnitude but the quality of our possessions.
Proverbs 16:8
We live in a society that loves to super-size everything. From our meals to our homes, bigger is better. However, Solomon points out above that sometimes less is more. It is always the context in which the magnitude is measured. Jesus gives us an excellent perspective in Luke 21:1-4. While the widow did not contribute enough to pay for printing of the church bulletins, the context in which she gave far exceeded that of the wealthy.
We need to closely review the verse and Jesus's example - for too often we are not satisfied with what we have. We often strive for a little more income, a nicer house or a newer car. Never did Jesus evaluate a person on the magnitude of his possessions. Rather, we are evaluated by what is possessed in our heart. Are we content with what we have? Or do we want just a little more?
If we possess the peace of God in our heart (Philippians 4:5-7), we have plenty. For through our contentment in Christ, we will no longer be worried about the magnitude but the quality of our possessions.
February 15, 2011
Valentines Aftermath
A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
Proverbs 15:13
By the day after Valentine's Day, it is obvious who did and did not get the affection and gifts they desired. Those fortunate to be showered with gifts and affection have an extra spring in their step and smiles are seen on their faces. By contrast, those neglected, rejected and ignored walk a little slower and can't seem to make themselves smile. Quite a difference in emotion between the two ends of the spectrum: from bubbling happiness to deeper despair.
But if you really analyze the difference, was is due to the few dollars spent on flowers, cards and candy? Not really, the difference is in the emotions accompanying the gifts. While some may have received hugely expensive gifts, they still may not have that spring in the step, if they don't feel loved. But others who received a simple hand-made card with true emotions expressed may be cheerful all day long. The differentiating factor is love. If we feel loved and respected, we can't help but let it show. Likewise, if we feel ignored and unappreciated, not matter how big the gift,the pain remains.
Let me point out who loves you most and gave the most precious gift - God. It is heralded in the best known verse - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. And Jesus predicted this act of love in John 15:13 - Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Did you not receive the gift you desired on Valentine's Day? Rest assured that you are loved by the greatest lover of all man-kind - Jesus. So put a spring in your step and a smile on your face. For you have received the greatest gift of all.
Proverbs 15:13
By the day after Valentine's Day, it is obvious who did and did not get the affection and gifts they desired. Those fortunate to be showered with gifts and affection have an extra spring in their step and smiles are seen on their faces. By contrast, those neglected, rejected and ignored walk a little slower and can't seem to make themselves smile. Quite a difference in emotion between the two ends of the spectrum: from bubbling happiness to deeper despair.
But if you really analyze the difference, was is due to the few dollars spent on flowers, cards and candy? Not really, the difference is in the emotions accompanying the gifts. While some may have received hugely expensive gifts, they still may not have that spring in the step, if they don't feel loved. But others who received a simple hand-made card with true emotions expressed may be cheerful all day long. The differentiating factor is love. If we feel loved and respected, we can't help but let it show. Likewise, if we feel ignored and unappreciated, not matter how big the gift,the pain remains.
Let me point out who loves you most and gave the most precious gift - God. It is heralded in the best known verse - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. And Jesus predicted this act of love in John 15:13 - Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Did you not receive the gift you desired on Valentine's Day? Rest assured that you are loved by the greatest lover of all man-kind - Jesus. So put a spring in your step and a smile on your face. For you have received the greatest gift of all.
February 14, 2011
A Valentine Gift
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
Proverbs 14:29
Today is the day that we shower those we love with cards, gifts and chocolates. And while we normally receive appreciation for the gifts, it is short-lived. How many of our loved ones discuss or even remember the candy or flowers we gave them by July? Is it because our gifts are insignificant? Not what they wanted? Or were they expected to be given?
Solomon describes a gift that we can give those we love that is certain to be appreciated for not only months but years to come! How comforting and assuring for us to know that our loved one is slow to anger! Living in fear of our loved one snapping with hurtful words or losing their temper at the least little event diminishes the value of the relationship. When we are in a loving and supportive relationship, we look forward to being together. However, if we fear their response, we are not as excited to be in the vicinity of the person.
Why not give a gift of a lifetime? Be slow to anger. Your loved ones will recognize the value of such a gift and treasure it forever. The petals of the flower may fade, but a supportive relationship will put a smile on their face every day!
Proverbs 14:29
Today is the day that we shower those we love with cards, gifts and chocolates. And while we normally receive appreciation for the gifts, it is short-lived. How many of our loved ones discuss or even remember the candy or flowers we gave them by July? Is it because our gifts are insignificant? Not what they wanted? Or were they expected to be given?
Solomon describes a gift that we can give those we love that is certain to be appreciated for not only months but years to come! How comforting and assuring for us to know that our loved one is slow to anger! Living in fear of our loved one snapping with hurtful words or losing their temper at the least little event diminishes the value of the relationship. When we are in a loving and supportive relationship, we look forward to being together. However, if we fear their response, we are not as excited to be in the vicinity of the person.
Why not give a gift of a lifetime? Be slow to anger. Your loved ones will recognize the value of such a gift and treasure it forever. The petals of the flower may fade, but a supportive relationship will put a smile on their face every day!
February 13, 2011
Love Sick
Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.
Proverbs 13:12
I can't think of a better example of Solomon's verse above than a romantic relationship.During the dating stage of a relationship, nothing is more devastating than a break up. For at least one in a serious relationship, there are dreams and aspirations of where the relationship will lead. And when the relationship is broken up, devastation occurs. All the plans and dreams seem lost forever. Nothing will cheer them up and they can not see any hope for the future because all of their future plans revolved around the individual they loved.
However, the love of God is even stronger. And when it occurs, we truly do receive a "tree of life". God wishes to draw all people unto him. And when we do committ to Him, great rejoicing and celebrations occur. His relationship continues to grow as we mature as Christians and will remain a source of strength, hope and love throughout our relationship.
Unfortunately, not everyone has committed to follow Christ. Although he has shown them His power and love, they reject Jesus' advances to be a part of their life. I am sure that he is heart broken with the rejection much more than we are when we lose the love of our life. And we should feel the same shame for rejecting Him as we do when we ruin relationships with others. Don't allow Christ to be love sick for us - accept Him today. And you, too, will find your tree of life.
Proverbs 13:12
I can't think of a better example of Solomon's verse above than a romantic relationship.During the dating stage of a relationship, nothing is more devastating than a break up. For at least one in a serious relationship, there are dreams and aspirations of where the relationship will lead. And when the relationship is broken up, devastation occurs. All the plans and dreams seem lost forever. Nothing will cheer them up and they can not see any hope for the future because all of their future plans revolved around the individual they loved.
However, the love of God is even stronger. And when it occurs, we truly do receive a "tree of life". God wishes to draw all people unto him. And when we do committ to Him, great rejoicing and celebrations occur. His relationship continues to grow as we mature as Christians and will remain a source of strength, hope and love throughout our relationship.
Unfortunately, not everyone has committed to follow Christ. Although he has shown them His power and love, they reject Jesus' advances to be a part of their life. I am sure that he is heart broken with the rejection much more than we are when we lose the love of our life. And we should feel the same shame for rejecting Him as we do when we ruin relationships with others. Don't allow Christ to be love sick for us - accept Him today. And you, too, will find your tree of life.
February 12, 2011
Promised Protection
There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
Proverbs 12:21
As we near Valentines Day, and my anniversary, I remember the oath I took to my wife on our wedding day before God and all our friends. It ended with "until death do us part" - a life long pledge of commitment. In the verse above, Solomon provides God's eternal promise to his children.
While we may have trials and temptations, we are assured of God's protection. I am often reminded of Job. The Lord describes him as "a perfect and upright man, one that feareth God and escheweth evil" (Job 1:8). I am not sure if it is possible to get a higher recommendation from God than what he bestowed upon Job. And yet, he lost everything but his wife, including his health. If one of God's favorite persons endures this much pain and suffering, why should we complain? I believe we would have a difficult time getting God to approve so well of our behavior.
And yet, in the end, Job is blessed more than ever before. More importantly, he is rewarded with a one-on-one conversation with the Lord. What a true blessing. And the summary? God protected him. And he will do the same for us. While I may fail my wife in providing and protecting her after I have passed on. There is no expiration on God's protection of His children. What a comfort during our meager struggles to know that we are truly protected!
Proverbs 12:21
As we near Valentines Day, and my anniversary, I remember the oath I took to my wife on our wedding day before God and all our friends. It ended with "until death do us part" - a life long pledge of commitment. In the verse above, Solomon provides God's eternal promise to his children.
While we may have trials and temptations, we are assured of God's protection. I am often reminded of Job. The Lord describes him as "a perfect and upright man, one that feareth God and escheweth evil" (Job 1:8). I am not sure if it is possible to get a higher recommendation from God than what he bestowed upon Job. And yet, he lost everything but his wife, including his health. If one of God's favorite persons endures this much pain and suffering, why should we complain? I believe we would have a difficult time getting God to approve so well of our behavior.
And yet, in the end, Job is blessed more than ever before. More importantly, he is rewarded with a one-on-one conversation with the Lord. What a true blessing. And the summary? God protected him. And he will do the same for us. While I may fail my wife in providing and protecting her after I have passed on. There is no expiration on God's protection of His children. What a comfort during our meager struggles to know that we are truly protected!
February 11, 2011
An Unfaithful Spirit
A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
Proverbs 11:13
Every community has a local gossip. They know all the dirty little secrets of everyone in the area. Unfortunately, they don't just know but share these secrets with others. It often frustrates me to deal such people. They want to know all of the details and have no respect in asking probing questions about areas that are none of their business. I used to try and be polite to the individual - show them Christian love by smiling and talking "around" the situation without providing any concrete information. Of late, I have adopted the attitude that is they have the audacity to ask such personal questions, I have the audacity to respond in a blunt manner that lets them know it is none of their business.
Solomon doesn't tell us that we should not be aware of embarassing or personal situations. But he does direct us to conceal the matter - not advertise to everyone we know. We have all been impacted by an embarassing event that spread like wildfire through the community. And we all know how much grief and anxiety is causes us when we are aware that others know our situation. Is this the way of sharing Christian love by sharing gossip? No, we are all appreciative when other who may or may not know of our situation respects our privacy.
While it may be enticing to be the center of attention while we share the juicy gossip. We should resist the temptation to be labeled as an unfaithful spirit like above. Just as Jesus is faithful not to expose our sins and weaknesses to those around us, we should be faithful to others by not revealing all that we know?
Proverbs 11:13
Every community has a local gossip. They know all the dirty little secrets of everyone in the area. Unfortunately, they don't just know but share these secrets with others. It often frustrates me to deal such people. They want to know all of the details and have no respect in asking probing questions about areas that are none of their business. I used to try and be polite to the individual - show them Christian love by smiling and talking "around" the situation without providing any concrete information. Of late, I have adopted the attitude that is they have the audacity to ask such personal questions, I have the audacity to respond in a blunt manner that lets them know it is none of their business.
Solomon doesn't tell us that we should not be aware of embarassing or personal situations. But he does direct us to conceal the matter - not advertise to everyone we know. We have all been impacted by an embarassing event that spread like wildfire through the community. And we all know how much grief and anxiety is causes us when we are aware that others know our situation. Is this the way of sharing Christian love by sharing gossip? No, we are all appreciative when other who may or may not know of our situation respects our privacy.
While it may be enticing to be the center of attention while we share the juicy gossip. We should resist the temptation to be labeled as an unfaithful spirit like above. Just as Jesus is faithful not to expose our sins and weaknesses to those around us, we should be faithful to others by not revealing all that we know?
February 10, 2011
Strength For The Weary
The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
Proverbs 10:29
Fighting a battle is physically tasking. Nourishment is essential for sustained combat. It is the same in our daily battle against temptation. We grow weary and weak of continually fighting the same challenges day after day. Fortunately for us, God strengthens us in our fight against temptation when we trust in Him.
We often feel that no one has experienced the pressure we are under to submit to the temptations of the world. But Paul comforts us best in 1 Corinthians 10:13 - There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
We can be assured that God will provide strength for the weary when we trust Him. We are not alone, even Jesus was tempted by the devil. And we are assured the same success when we follow His guidance.
Proverbs 10:29
Fighting a battle is physically tasking. Nourishment is essential for sustained combat. It is the same in our daily battle against temptation. We grow weary and weak of continually fighting the same challenges day after day. Fortunately for us, God strengthens us in our fight against temptation when we trust in Him.
We often feel that no one has experienced the pressure we are under to submit to the temptations of the world. But Paul comforts us best in 1 Corinthians 10:13 - There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
We can be assured that God will provide strength for the weary when we trust Him. We are not alone, even Jesus was tempted by the devil. And we are assured the same success when we follow His guidance.
February 9, 2011
Master Carpenter
Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:
Proverbs 9:1
The bible contains numerous references to construction. Solomon depicts wisdom building her own house in the verse above. What are we building? Our lives are a composite of our behavior and actions. Is our house sturdy and strong? Is it appealing or repulsive?
We can not build a quality house with impure material. It is similar to trying to paint over rotten wood - from the street, it will look acceptable, but under close scrutiny, the decaying wood is easily visible. While we may fool some people part of the time, we can not fool all the people all the time. More importantly, the One who knows us best, knows our heart.
Even with the best of materials and tools, shoddy construction is achieved with amateur skills. Cracks are easily visible in joints and uneven surfaces highlight the poor workmanship. So is the same with our lives when we try to piece together our lives without the skills of our Master. He alone is the true Master Carpenter. He knows how each piece of our life is to be fit together even before they occur.
When we submit our lives to the Master Carpenter, a master piece is created. It withstands the challenges of the elements of this world and draws attention to the builder, not the occupant. Peter was a disciple but more importantly a human who failed his Master, much like us. However, he was blessed to hear these words from the Master Carpenter: And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18). And Jesus will likewise create a master piece within you only if you submit to his plan for you.
Proverbs 9:1
The bible contains numerous references to construction. Solomon depicts wisdom building her own house in the verse above. What are we building? Our lives are a composite of our behavior and actions. Is our house sturdy and strong? Is it appealing or repulsive?
We can not build a quality house with impure material. It is similar to trying to paint over rotten wood - from the street, it will look acceptable, but under close scrutiny, the decaying wood is easily visible. While we may fool some people part of the time, we can not fool all the people all the time. More importantly, the One who knows us best, knows our heart.
Even with the best of materials and tools, shoddy construction is achieved with amateur skills. Cracks are easily visible in joints and uneven surfaces highlight the poor workmanship. So is the same with our lives when we try to piece together our lives without the skills of our Master. He alone is the true Master Carpenter. He knows how each piece of our life is to be fit together even before they occur.
When we submit our lives to the Master Carpenter, a master piece is created. It withstands the challenges of the elements of this world and draws attention to the builder, not the occupant. Peter was a disciple but more importantly a human who failed his Master, much like us. However, he was blessed to hear these words from the Master Carpenter: And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18). And Jesus will likewise create a master piece within you only if you submit to his plan for you.
February 8, 2011
A Simple Choice
But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.
Proverbs 8:36
Sometimes the hardest situations are solved by the bluntest of statements. Such is the description by Solomon above. If you sin, you love death. How often have we heard people complain of all the wrongs life has dealt them? And yet, they continue to believe they are capable of guiding their own life. So they move from one disappointing disaster to another and wonder why they can't succeed.
The simple question remains: Have you truly surrendered your life to God's will? While many of us claim to be followers of Christ, we still want to choose our careers, homes and friends. So what have we truly surrendered to Christ? A couple of hours on Sunday morning or our life?
Joshua make the simple but profound statement in Joshua 24:15 - but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. Can we say the same? Are we serving our Savior or are we killing ourselves?
Proverbs 8:36
Sometimes the hardest situations are solved by the bluntest of statements. Such is the description by Solomon above. If you sin, you love death. How often have we heard people complain of all the wrongs life has dealt them? And yet, they continue to believe they are capable of guiding their own life. So they move from one disappointing disaster to another and wonder why they can't succeed.
The simple question remains: Have you truly surrendered your life to God's will? While many of us claim to be followers of Christ, we still want to choose our careers, homes and friends. So what have we truly surrendered to Christ? A couple of hours on Sunday morning or our life?
Joshua make the simple but profound statement in Joshua 24:15 - but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. Can we say the same? Are we serving our Savior or are we killing ourselves?
