B.C. Bolt's Blog, page 83
January 2, 2011
Hurricane Straps For Life
For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.
Proverbs 2:21
My first house after leaving home was a mobile home. When we were installing it on my farm, an essential safety element was installing the "Hurricane Straps" so that it would not be blown off the block footing. I laughed at the installer and explained that I was too far from the coast to worry about a hurricane. He just smiled and said to give him a call after the first big storm. It was only a few months later that a chain of thunder storms and tornadoes swept through the area blowing down several pine trees surrounding my new little home. Surprisingly, the trailer remained firmly planted - thanks to the straps!
Solomon promises above that we, as Christians, will endure and not be removed. Yet, it is not by our actions that such accomplishments are achieved. We are assaulted daily by challenges that could easily up-root and blow us away. But we are strapped to permanence by God's strength. Much like the straps that anchored my mobile home, His love encompasses us with protection from the storms of life. When we yield to His will, we are strengthened in our ability stand. Submit to Him and He will protect us against any storm life has to offer.
Proverbs 2:21
My first house after leaving home was a mobile home. When we were installing it on my farm, an essential safety element was installing the "Hurricane Straps" so that it would not be blown off the block footing. I laughed at the installer and explained that I was too far from the coast to worry about a hurricane. He just smiled and said to give him a call after the first big storm. It was only a few months later that a chain of thunder storms and tornadoes swept through the area blowing down several pine trees surrounding my new little home. Surprisingly, the trailer remained firmly planted - thanks to the straps!
Solomon promises above that we, as Christians, will endure and not be removed. Yet, it is not by our actions that such accomplishments are achieved. We are assaulted daily by challenges that could easily up-root and blow us away. But we are strapped to permanence by God's strength. Much like the straps that anchored my mobile home, His love encompasses us with protection from the storms of life. When we yield to His will, we are strengthened in our ability stand. Submit to Him and He will protect us against any storm life has to offer.
January 1, 2011
Are You Listening?
A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
Proverbs 1:5
With the start of the new year, many have a long list of resolutions. They see the new year as an opportunity to create the new you. Many of the items require great sacrifice to obtain a seemingly elusive goal of improvement. Solomon provides us with a challenge for the new year as well: increased learning and wisdom. The result? A closer walk with God. I would wager that this goal far exceeds the majority of items on our "improvement list" for the new year. And yet, it starts with a simple act: hearing. However, it is not just hearing but actually taking action upon the words heard. The actions will result in a closer walk with our Savior.
Is God speaking to you? And more importantly, are you hearing? In our daily hectic lives, we often fail to hear His words. They are not blared above the volume of our headsets, they don't come in the form of text messages or dazzling displays upon our television monitors. Rather, he still uses the same format he did with Elijah - the still, small voice. Often, we fail to hear it for all of the worldly distractions. But when we hear it, we know. And you are never the same - whether you choose to obey or ignore, you will remember His words. (John 14:26)
Join me in simplifying our list of resolutions for the new year by putting the most important thing first: Listening to our Savior. He will guide us in all decisions to a new and better you for the coming year!
Proverbs 1:5
With the start of the new year, many have a long list of resolutions. They see the new year as an opportunity to create the new you. Many of the items require great sacrifice to obtain a seemingly elusive goal of improvement. Solomon provides us with a challenge for the new year as well: increased learning and wisdom. The result? A closer walk with God. I would wager that this goal far exceeds the majority of items on our "improvement list" for the new year. And yet, it starts with a simple act: hearing. However, it is not just hearing but actually taking action upon the words heard. The actions will result in a closer walk with our Savior.
Is God speaking to you? And more importantly, are you hearing? In our daily hectic lives, we often fail to hear His words. They are not blared above the volume of our headsets, they don't come in the form of text messages or dazzling displays upon our television monitors. Rather, he still uses the same format he did with Elijah - the still, small voice. Often, we fail to hear it for all of the worldly distractions. But when we hear it, we know. And you are never the same - whether you choose to obey or ignore, you will remember His words. (John 14:26)
Join me in simplifying our list of resolutions for the new year by putting the most important thing first: Listening to our Savior. He will guide us in all decisions to a new and better you for the coming year!
December 31, 2010
Honor Perfected
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
Proverbs 31:26
Lemuel goes to great lengths, and many verses, to describe the ultimate wife. This is one verse that sticks out to me above all others. It clearly shows how we should deal with others. If we constrain our words to those spoken with wisdom vice malice, jealousy and the assorted other sinful motivations, we would never have to regret any spoken word. Likewise, if we base our comments upon kindness, our words will be better received by others.
How often I have hastily spoken words that I later regret! The pain caused by malicious words and the advice unheeded due to the tone of the words cause my heart to regret ever speaking them. Unfortunately, we can not unspeak our words - once spoken they have a life of their own. Often repeated but never forgotten. What a better life we would have if we never had to regret a spoken word!
Clearly the advice in the verse above is applicable to all of us. So as we contemplate resolutions for the coming year, let's ask God to help us follow the advice above. The results will honor our actions and more importantly, honor God.
Proverbs 31:26
Lemuel goes to great lengths, and many verses, to describe the ultimate wife. This is one verse that sticks out to me above all others. It clearly shows how we should deal with others. If we constrain our words to those spoken with wisdom vice malice, jealousy and the assorted other sinful motivations, we would never have to regret any spoken word. Likewise, if we base our comments upon kindness, our words will be better received by others.
How often I have hastily spoken words that I later regret! The pain caused by malicious words and the advice unheeded due to the tone of the words cause my heart to regret ever speaking them. Unfortunately, we can not unspeak our words - once spoken they have a life of their own. Often repeated but never forgotten. What a better life we would have if we never had to regret a spoken word!
Clearly the advice in the verse above is applicable to all of us. So as we contemplate resolutions for the coming year, let's ask God to help us follow the advice above. The results will honor our actions and more importantly, honor God.
December 30, 2010
Low Profile Honor
The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces.
Proverbs 30:28
Agur lists the spider as one of the smallest but wisest creatures on earth. Perhaps we can learn wisdom from such a innocuous creature? The common household spider spends its day working to build a web in order to survive. There are no web building competitions or recognition for their hard effort. Yet they continue daily to maintain their web. They have no regard for their surroundings - whether it be a dark closet or a brightly lit cathedral their level of effort is the same. Even in the king's palace listed in the verse above, their focus remains the same: build and maintain their web.
What if we approached our Christian life in the same manner? Focused solely on the fundamentals of maintaining a close walk with Christ. No distractions based upon our performance and no regard for our surroundings. I can only imagine the results would be astounding! We are often too worried about the acceptance of others to worry about acceptance by our Savior.
The spider teaches us well in how to obtain low profile honor: if we focus on the fundamental of serving Christ, he will honor us in ways we could never imagine!
Proverbs 30:28
Agur lists the spider as one of the smallest but wisest creatures on earth. Perhaps we can learn wisdom from such a innocuous creature? The common household spider spends its day working to build a web in order to survive. There are no web building competitions or recognition for their hard effort. Yet they continue daily to maintain their web. They have no regard for their surroundings - whether it be a dark closet or a brightly lit cathedral their level of effort is the same. Even in the king's palace listed in the verse above, their focus remains the same: build and maintain their web.
What if we approached our Christian life in the same manner? Focused solely on the fundamentals of maintaining a close walk with Christ. No distractions based upon our performance and no regard for our surroundings. I can only imagine the results would be astounding! We are often too worried about the acceptance of others to worry about acceptance by our Savior.
The spider teaches us well in how to obtain low profile honor: if we focus on the fundamental of serving Christ, he will honor us in ways we could never imagine!
December 28, 2010
The Prodigal Son
Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.
Proverbs 29:3
This verse reminds me of the parable of the Prodigal Son (Mark 15:11-31). We are all familiar with how the son spent his inheritance and ended up with the pigs. But at low point of his life, he recognized the error of his ways and went to repent to his father. And we remember how the father celebrated his return while the older son fumed and fussed about the father's reaction.
The question is: which son displayed wisdom? While we love to look down our noses at the sinful squandering of wealth, didn't we do the same? Christ offered us peace and eternal life but we did not partake until we recognized the wretched situation we were in and repented. Compare this to the older brother who continued the ritual of service but never found the value of forgiveness.
Let's ensure that we know the joy of forgiveness and not just the ritual of service. For forgiveness is truly a cause of celebration and causes our Father to rejoice.
Proverbs 29:3
This verse reminds me of the parable of the Prodigal Son (Mark 15:11-31). We are all familiar with how the son spent his inheritance and ended up with the pigs. But at low point of his life, he recognized the error of his ways and went to repent to his father. And we remember how the father celebrated his return while the older son fumed and fussed about the father's reaction.
The question is: which son displayed wisdom? While we love to look down our noses at the sinful squandering of wealth, didn't we do the same? Christ offered us peace and eternal life but we did not partake until we recognized the wretched situation we were in and repented. Compare this to the older brother who continued the ritual of service but never found the value of forgiveness.
Let's ensure that we know the joy of forgiveness and not just the ritual of service. For forgiveness is truly a cause of celebration and causes our Father to rejoice.
Cheap Sins
To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
Proverbs 28:21
My father used to warn me of evil people saying that they would "sell their Mother for a dollar". As a young boy, it frightened me to view the person as sinister, no matter how fake their smile. When questioned, Dad explained that anyone who would quickly show favoritism would quickly choose to do wrong. Solomon describes it a little differently above but the jist is the same. Those who show respect of persons will sin for smallest of monetary values.
Only later did I realize it is not about the money but about human nature. It is our nature to sin unless God is in control of our lives. One aspect that changes when He is in control is that we no longer show respect of persons but rather show the love of Christ to all.
Are there areas in your life where God doesn't have control? If so, we are powerless to keep from sinning in that area. Only with God in control are we able to reverse the habits of human nature. Surrender your actions to God and He will prevent you from cheaply sinning.
Proverbs 28:21
My father used to warn me of evil people saying that they would "sell their Mother for a dollar". As a young boy, it frightened me to view the person as sinister, no matter how fake their smile. When questioned, Dad explained that anyone who would quickly show favoritism would quickly choose to do wrong. Solomon describes it a little differently above but the jist is the same. Those who show respect of persons will sin for smallest of monetary values.
Only later did I realize it is not about the money but about human nature. It is our nature to sin unless God is in control of our lives. One aspect that changes when He is in control is that we no longer show respect of persons but rather show the love of Christ to all.
Are there areas in your life where God doesn't have control? If so, we are powerless to keep from sinning in that area. Only with God in control are we able to reverse the habits of human nature. Surrender your actions to God and He will prevent you from cheaply sinning.
December 27, 2010
Tough Love
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Proverbs 27:6
Solomon describes wounds from a friend are faithful - but how can someone who cares for you, harm you? Perhaps, that is the true measure of friendship - someone who is willing to tell you what you don't want to hear! Many will simply agree with us verbally but will withhold there true opinion, simply not to hurt our feelings. However, a friend will "call a spade a spade", even if it is not what we want to hear.
One additional factor in a friendship is the delivery of such bad news - it is not with contempt or humiliation. But rather with love. And if that love is based in Christ, it is a healing love, regardless of the severity of the topic.
Proverbs 27:6
Solomon describes wounds from a friend are faithful - but how can someone who cares for you, harm you? Perhaps, that is the true measure of friendship - someone who is willing to tell you what you don't want to hear! Many will simply agree with us verbally but will withhold there true opinion, simply not to hurt our feelings. However, a friend will "call a spade a spade", even if it is not what we want to hear.
One additional factor in a friendship is the delivery of such bad news - it is not with contempt or humiliation. But rather with love. And if that love is based in Christ, it is a healing love, regardless of the severity of the topic.
December 26, 2010
Fuel For The Fire
As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
Proverbs 26:21
As winter weather grips us in its frigid grasp, we are all familiar with keeping the heat going! Solomon describes the need to continue to feed a fire by adding coal or wood in order to keep a fire going. And the same is applicable to the strife in our life - if we remove the fuel, the strife ceases to exist.
When we are frustrated and angry with another, any action or word seems to flare up the frustration. However, the smoldering embers are within us, not by their actions- if we remove the source, the anger goes away. But how? While it is often difficult to forgive and forget, we can achieve peace by turning over our frustration to God. When we simply give it up to Him, he removes the smoldering embers within us. Then, any further action by the other individual ceases to cause us to flare up. David promises peace and prevention of being offended in Psalms 119:165-168 if we follow His commandments.
Do you have a simmering frustration with others? Turn to God and he will remove the embers of frustration and provide a peace beyond understanding. Philippians 4:6-8.
Proverbs 26:21
As winter weather grips us in its frigid grasp, we are all familiar with keeping the heat going! Solomon describes the need to continue to feed a fire by adding coal or wood in order to keep a fire going. And the same is applicable to the strife in our life - if we remove the fuel, the strife ceases to exist.
When we are frustrated and angry with another, any action or word seems to flare up the frustration. However, the smoldering embers are within us, not by their actions- if we remove the source, the anger goes away. But how? While it is often difficult to forgive and forget, we can achieve peace by turning over our frustration to God. When we simply give it up to Him, he removes the smoldering embers within us. Then, any further action by the other individual ceases to cause us to flare up. David promises peace and prevention of being offended in Psalms 119:165-168 if we follow His commandments.
Do you have a simmering frustration with others? Turn to God and he will remove the embers of frustration and provide a peace beyond understanding. Philippians 4:6-8.
December 25, 2010
Share the Good News
As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
Proverbs 25:25
We are all familiar with the deep sense of refreshment of an ice cold drink of water on a hot summer day. Nothing compares to the deep penetrating coldness that seems to replenish us from the inside out. The same can be said of the good news heard by the wise men on the night when Christ was born. While they traveled far, it paled in comparison to the deep-penetrating refreshment they felt upon seeing the Savior of the World! Have you experienced the same penetrating change in your life? If so, you know first-hand how refreshing the new perspective puts on your life.
As you share your gifts with others today, why not share the refreshing good news of Jesus Christ with those you love? His gift of salvation will long out-last any earthly gift we can share. And they will share the same refreshing experience that we felt when we first met our Savior. Share His love with others - it is His birthday we are celebrating, so why not make Him our Guest of Honor?
Proverbs 25:25
We are all familiar with the deep sense of refreshment of an ice cold drink of water on a hot summer day. Nothing compares to the deep penetrating coldness that seems to replenish us from the inside out. The same can be said of the good news heard by the wise men on the night when Christ was born. While they traveled far, it paled in comparison to the deep-penetrating refreshment they felt upon seeing the Savior of the World! Have you experienced the same penetrating change in your life? If so, you know first-hand how refreshing the new perspective puts on your life.
As you share your gifts with others today, why not share the refreshing good news of Jesus Christ with those you love? His gift of salvation will long out-last any earthly gift we can share. And they will share the same refreshing experience that we felt when we first met our Savior. Share His love with others - it is His birthday we are celebrating, so why not make Him our Guest of Honor?
December 23, 2010
The Joy of Giving
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
Proverbs 23:7
As we share our gifts this Christmas season, is there sharing in our heart? Are we cheerfully sharing or are we begrudgingly giving? No matter how cheap or expense the gift, the value is based upon the manner in which it is shared. We have all received gifts from our children that would never compare to the exquisite gifts from a department store but they are treasured more. Why? Because we know they were made with love.
Ensure that your gifts are deeply appreciated - not for their cost but their value. Share them with the love of Christ in your heart.
Proverbs 23:7
As we share our gifts this Christmas season, is there sharing in our heart? Are we cheerfully sharing or are we begrudgingly giving? No matter how cheap or expense the gift, the value is based upon the manner in which it is shared. We have all received gifts from our children that would never compare to the exquisite gifts from a department store but they are treasured more. Why? Because we know they were made with love.
Ensure that your gifts are deeply appreciated - not for their cost but their value. Share them with the love of Christ in your heart.
