B.C. Bolt's Blog, page 80
February 6, 2011
Broken Beyond Repair
Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.
Proverbs 6:15
Solomon warns against the perils of wickedness. He emphasizes twice that the results come suddenly. It is not a gradual recognition that we have failed but an instantaneous recognition that we are beyond repair. Only when we recognize the our inability to "fix" ourselves are we willing to let God take control. It is at this stage of submission are we able to let God have his way in our life without us trying to fix things ourselves.
After God has intervened and the crisis is resolved, do we recognize His ability and our inability to control our situation. Wouldn't it be easier if we recongnized our inabilities before we go into a state of irrepair? If we awake each day and submit to His will, we wouldn't have to suffer the humbling experience of being broken beyond repair.
Proverbs 6:15
Solomon warns against the perils of wickedness. He emphasizes twice that the results come suddenly. It is not a gradual recognition that we have failed but an instantaneous recognition that we are beyond repair. Only when we recognize the our inability to "fix" ourselves are we willing to let God take control. It is at this stage of submission are we able to let God have his way in our life without us trying to fix things ourselves.
After God has intervened and the crisis is resolved, do we recognize His ability and our inability to control our situation. Wouldn't it be easier if we recongnized our inabilities before we go into a state of irrepair? If we awake each day and submit to His will, we wouldn't have to suffer the humbling experience of being broken beyond repair.
February 5, 2011
Lost Riches
Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger;
Proverbs 5:10
It is not uncommon to desire wealth. We all strive to have just a little more money. We often feel that if we had more money, we could obtain more items that we value. It sometimes seems that no matter how hard we try, we can not get ahead financially.
Solomon proposes a different method of increasing our wealth. By following God's guidance and staying away from the distractions of the world, we will retain our wealth vice it being given to others. A much more grim picture is provided in Leviticus 26:14-38. Simply put, if we fail to follow God, we can be assured that we will not be blessed.
Likewise, in the following versus of Leviticus, God promises unimaginable wealth is we repent and follow Him. So the choice is ours - we can labor hard only to lose our riches or we can follow him and be blessed beyond our wildest imagination. It follows the old saying "work smarter not harder". We need to recognize the source of our blessings: God's grace and not our efforts.
Proverbs 5:10
It is not uncommon to desire wealth. We all strive to have just a little more money. We often feel that if we had more money, we could obtain more items that we value. It sometimes seems that no matter how hard we try, we can not get ahead financially.
Solomon proposes a different method of increasing our wealth. By following God's guidance and staying away from the distractions of the world, we will retain our wealth vice it being given to others. A much more grim picture is provided in Leviticus 26:14-38. Simply put, if we fail to follow God, we can be assured that we will not be blessed.
Likewise, in the following versus of Leviticus, God promises unimaginable wealth is we repent and follow Him. So the choice is ours - we can labor hard only to lose our riches or we can follow him and be blessed beyond our wildest imagination. It follows the old saying "work smarter not harder". We need to recognize the source of our blessings: God's grace and not our efforts.
February 4, 2011
Fatal Distractions
Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
Proverbs 4:25
The designers of grocery stores are geniuses. The only place where you have to wait is normally in the checkout line. And there are plenty of distractions to keep your eyes busy. If you are young, there are candy and gum selections galore for spontaneous buying. If you are gullible, there are space aliens, tawdry celebrity stories or amazing flat abs in two days to tweak your interest while waiting. It is so easy to distract us that we fail to recognize our objective of paying for our groceries and moving on to our next errand. Simply, we are easily distracted from our task at hand.
So it is with our life. We truly have one task to focus on but we are easily distracted with relationships, careers and entertainment options. This is why Solomon recommends that we stay focused on the key aspect of life - following God's will. It is when we become distracted that we fail to follow Him. Perhaps we should put blinders on ourselves so that we are not fatally distracted!
Proverbs 4:25
The designers of grocery stores are geniuses. The only place where you have to wait is normally in the checkout line. And there are plenty of distractions to keep your eyes busy. If you are young, there are candy and gum selections galore for spontaneous buying. If you are gullible, there are space aliens, tawdry celebrity stories or amazing flat abs in two days to tweak your interest while waiting. It is so easy to distract us that we fail to recognize our objective of paying for our groceries and moving on to our next errand. Simply, we are easily distracted from our task at hand.
So it is with our life. We truly have one task to focus on but we are easily distracted with relationships, careers and entertainment options. This is why Solomon recommends that we stay focused on the key aspect of life - following God's will. It is when we become distracted that we fail to follow Him. Perhaps we should put blinders on ourselves so that we are not fatally distracted!
February 3, 2011
Refrigerator Magnets
The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.
Proverbs 3:33
I wish I had a penny for every refrigerator magnet and plaque that I have seen in homes that states "Lord, Bless This House". I could take off a few weeks and go fishing without missing any bills! While the sign is prevalent, I often wonder if the home owner knows the requirement to receive such a blessing?
Solomon clearly states above that the house of the just is blessed. And throughout Proverbs he ascribes attributes to the "just" over fifteen times. Perhaps he viewed it important to define a "just" individual? Is it obvious when we see a just individual? Is should be. Even Pilot recognized a "just" man when Jesus was presented to him (Matthew 27:24). Do others recognize us as just men? Does God's love and wisdom flow through us to those around us?
Is causes me to wonder is we are asking amiss when we hang the magnets in our homes. Are we truly seeking a blessing from God or are we simply using the magnet to help manage the clutter? If we remove the clutter from our hearts, God will bless us and our home. Regardless if we have a refrigerator magnet or not.
Proverbs 3:33
I wish I had a penny for every refrigerator magnet and plaque that I have seen in homes that states "Lord, Bless This House". I could take off a few weeks and go fishing without missing any bills! While the sign is prevalent, I often wonder if the home owner knows the requirement to receive such a blessing?
Solomon clearly states above that the house of the just is blessed. And throughout Proverbs he ascribes attributes to the "just" over fifteen times. Perhaps he viewed it important to define a "just" individual? Is it obvious when we see a just individual? Is should be. Even Pilot recognized a "just" man when Jesus was presented to him (Matthew 27:24). Do others recognize us as just men? Does God's love and wisdom flow through us to those around us?
Is causes me to wonder is we are asking amiss when we hang the magnets in our homes. Are we truly seeking a blessing from God or are we simply using the magnet to help manage the clutter? If we remove the clutter from our hearts, God will bless us and our home. Regardless if we have a refrigerator magnet or not.
February 2, 2011
Highway Maintenance
He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.
Proverbs 2:8
The winter snows highlight the dependence we have on local government to keep our highways cleared. Travel becomes treacherous as we attempt to navigate the streets and highways when they are covered by ice and snow. Without the coordinated efforts to de-ice and remove the snow, many routes become impassable.
The same applies to our daily life. Without God clearing our path, it quickly becomes impassable. We are no match against the challenges that face us daily. Eventually, they pile up to the point where we feel we can no longer go forward. Only with God's divine intervention are we able to overcome the obstacles of life. If we cling to Him, he will clear our path and remove all obstacles.
Do you dread getting up in the morning and facing another day of daunting challenges? Does it seem that there is no way around the block wall firmly planted in your way? Quite banging your head against the wall and surrender to God. He will clear our path for us.
He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. 1 Samuel 2:9
Proverbs 2:8
The winter snows highlight the dependence we have on local government to keep our highways cleared. Travel becomes treacherous as we attempt to navigate the streets and highways when they are covered by ice and snow. Without the coordinated efforts to de-ice and remove the snow, many routes become impassable.
The same applies to our daily life. Without God clearing our path, it quickly becomes impassable. We are no match against the challenges that face us daily. Eventually, they pile up to the point where we feel we can no longer go forward. Only with God's divine intervention are we able to overcome the obstacles of life. If we cling to Him, he will clear our path and remove all obstacles.
Do you dread getting up in the morning and facing another day of daunting challenges? Does it seem that there is no way around the block wall firmly planted in your way? Quite banging your head against the wall and surrender to God. He will clear our path for us.
He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. 1 Samuel 2:9
February 1, 2011
Gospel Bling
For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.
Proverbs 1:9
Bling is a relatively new word (1999) for the Webster's Dictionary describing flashy jewelry and ostentatious presentations. However, Solomon aptly describes it in the verse above several thousand years ago. The flashy decorations he is describing has nothing to do with wealth or social status. He is referring to wisdom and knowledge. By not forsaking the laws provided to us in God's word, we will be visibly decorated by God's reward for our obedience.
What does our "bling" say about us? Do we show Christian love to others in a honest in caring way? Or do we show a self-centered concern only for the benefit of ourselves? Our actions reflect our heart. While we may hide our thoughts some of the time, we can not hide them all the time. Do we need to change our jewelry? Seek the One who bestows the best "bling" in town - for his decorations will last more than a lifetime!
Proverbs 1:9
Bling is a relatively new word (1999) for the Webster's Dictionary describing flashy jewelry and ostentatious presentations. However, Solomon aptly describes it in the verse above several thousand years ago. The flashy decorations he is describing has nothing to do with wealth or social status. He is referring to wisdom and knowledge. By not forsaking the laws provided to us in God's word, we will be visibly decorated by God's reward for our obedience.
What does our "bling" say about us? Do we show Christian love to others in a honest in caring way? Or do we show a self-centered concern only for the benefit of ourselves? Our actions reflect our heart. While we may hide our thoughts some of the time, we can not hide them all the time. Do we need to change our jewelry? Seek the One who bestows the best "bling" in town - for his decorations will last more than a lifetime!
January 31, 2011
What Are You Wearing?
Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
Proverbs 31:25
Fashion is a major factor in our daily decision of what to wear. While we may not be obsessed with fashion, few of us desire to be viewed as "Out of Fashion". We all have a tendency to want to "fit in" with our peers when it comes to fashion.
King Lemuel describes fashion in quite a different way in the verse above. His description is not of something that you change daily but rather how your peers view you. It has nothing to do with the price, material or colors but it has everything to do with the designer. For only God can design the appropriate "clothing" for us to be seen as one of His own. While John the Baptist was clothed in camel hair and skins (Mark 1:6), he was praised highly by Jesus (Mathew 11:11) for what he wore.
What are we wearing today? Are we showing our peers the design by the Spirit? Galatians 5:22-24 gives us the shopping list we should use when deciding what to wear. Are your garments tattered? Worn? Not matching your proclamations? If so, seek the Master who will give you the freshest, cleanest garments to show off to your peers!
Proverbs 31:25
Fashion is a major factor in our daily decision of what to wear. While we may not be obsessed with fashion, few of us desire to be viewed as "Out of Fashion". We all have a tendency to want to "fit in" with our peers when it comes to fashion.
King Lemuel describes fashion in quite a different way in the verse above. His description is not of something that you change daily but rather how your peers view you. It has nothing to do with the price, material or colors but it has everything to do with the designer. For only God can design the appropriate "clothing" for us to be seen as one of His own. While John the Baptist was clothed in camel hair and skins (Mark 1:6), he was praised highly by Jesus (Mathew 11:11) for what he wore.
What are we wearing today? Are we showing our peers the design by the Spirit? Galatians 5:22-24 gives us the shopping list we should use when deciding what to wear. Are your garments tattered? Worn? Not matching your proclamations? If so, seek the Master who will give you the freshest, cleanest garments to show off to your peers!
January 30, 2011
Slap Yourself
If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.
Proverbs 30:32
We often view slapping someone as a humiliating form of correction. And I believe Agur viewed it in the same manner. He warns us to correct ourselves when we have done foolishly or thought evil. What a concept: self-correcting discipline! Maybe if we corrected ourselves, God would not have to punish us for our wrong doing!
The first step of correction is recognizing the error of our ways. Which is followed by correction. While Agur's suggestion of slapping ourselves may work, I can't imagine seeing people walking around slapping themselves each time they do wrong. Many of us would never get anything done but slapping ourselves and walking around with puffy cheeks!
However, there is a more subtle and effective method to correct our errors - prevention and elimination. Prevention is achieved by studying and following God's plan for our behavior in the Bible. Elimination is achieved by seeking His foregiveness. The choice is yours - repeatedly slap yourself or seek Him.
Proverbs 30:32
We often view slapping someone as a humiliating form of correction. And I believe Agur viewed it in the same manner. He warns us to correct ourselves when we have done foolishly or thought evil. What a concept: self-correcting discipline! Maybe if we corrected ourselves, God would not have to punish us for our wrong doing!
The first step of correction is recognizing the error of our ways. Which is followed by correction. While Agur's suggestion of slapping ourselves may work, I can't imagine seeing people walking around slapping themselves each time they do wrong. Many of us would never get anything done but slapping ourselves and walking around with puffy cheeks!
However, there is a more subtle and effective method to correct our errors - prevention and elimination. Prevention is achieved by studying and following God's plan for our behavior in the Bible. Elimination is achieved by seeking His foregiveness. The choice is yours - repeatedly slap yourself or seek Him.
January 29, 2011
Inquisitive Care
The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.
Proverbs 29:7
How often are we proactive in caring for others? Too often, we prefer a passive approach to helping others - we prefer to donate our money in an effort to make the situation go away rather than becoming involved in the situation. Rarely, do we take the effort to understand the situation and strive to provide support in a non-monetary fashion. It requires us to expend our time and effort to get to know the individual's situation rather than simply making a monthly allotment that allows us to feel good.
Solomon did not say the righteous simply gave money. Instead they considered the cause. In other words, they carefully meditate upon the situation. In order to do such, we must fully understand the situation - a personal approach is required. While it is easy to identify those who are poor or severely sick, there are many around us who are suffering from other issues that are not readily visible. And the only way to understand the situation is to get to know the individual. I am always amazed at the challenges people face as I get to know them. While the issues may not be visible, almost everyone has challenges they are struggling with on a daily basis.
What a better way to show God's love than to show others that we care for them. And the only way to achieve this is through inquisitive care. Get to know those around you - you can lighten their burden while sharing His love with them.
Proverbs 29:7
How often are we proactive in caring for others? Too often, we prefer a passive approach to helping others - we prefer to donate our money in an effort to make the situation go away rather than becoming involved in the situation. Rarely, do we take the effort to understand the situation and strive to provide support in a non-monetary fashion. It requires us to expend our time and effort to get to know the individual's situation rather than simply making a monthly allotment that allows us to feel good.
Solomon did not say the righteous simply gave money. Instead they considered the cause. In other words, they carefully meditate upon the situation. In order to do such, we must fully understand the situation - a personal approach is required. While it is easy to identify those who are poor or severely sick, there are many around us who are suffering from other issues that are not readily visible. And the only way to understand the situation is to get to know the individual. I am always amazed at the challenges people face as I get to know them. While the issues may not be visible, almost everyone has challenges they are struggling with on a daily basis.
What a better way to show God's love than to show others that we care for them. And the only way to achieve this is through inquisitive care. Get to know those around you - you can lighten their burden while sharing His love with them.
January 28, 2011
Wasted Prayers
He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
Proverbs 28:9
Have you ever had the feeling that no matter how hard you prayed, your prayers were not being heard? No matter how intense and fervent your prayers, they seemed useless? Is that God doesn't care? Have you used up your prayer minutes on frivolous prayers only to run out when you really need them? The answer, of course, is no. God will always hear and answer the prayers of his children.
However, Solomon cautions us above that there are requirements to be met in order for our prayers to be heard. Zechariah describes such a situation best in Zechariah 7:9-13. When we refuse to listen to God's commandments, he refuses to listen to us. Pretty simple concept but not easily applied in our instantaneous world. We want to ignore Christ during the week, zip into church on Sunday and expect instantaneous answers to each and every of our prayers. Communication is a two-way street. We must listen as well as speak. If we fail to listen to His guidance, why should we expect Him to listen to our requests?
David sums it up best in Psalms 66:18 - If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. I need to cleanse my heart first or my prayers are wasted. Let's get our priorities straight and do our part before expecting God to do his. If we take the first step to forgiveness, our relationship will be restored!
Proverbs 28:9
Have you ever had the feeling that no matter how hard you prayed, your prayers were not being heard? No matter how intense and fervent your prayers, they seemed useless? Is that God doesn't care? Have you used up your prayer minutes on frivolous prayers only to run out when you really need them? The answer, of course, is no. God will always hear and answer the prayers of his children.
However, Solomon cautions us above that there are requirements to be met in order for our prayers to be heard. Zechariah describes such a situation best in Zechariah 7:9-13. When we refuse to listen to God's commandments, he refuses to listen to us. Pretty simple concept but not easily applied in our instantaneous world. We want to ignore Christ during the week, zip into church on Sunday and expect instantaneous answers to each and every of our prayers. Communication is a two-way street. We must listen as well as speak. If we fail to listen to His guidance, why should we expect Him to listen to our requests?
David sums it up best in Psalms 66:18 - If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. I need to cleanse my heart first or my prayers are wasted. Let's get our priorities straight and do our part before expecting God to do his. If we take the first step to forgiveness, our relationship will be restored!
