B.C. Bolt's Blog, page 86
December 2, 2010
Pulling Weeds
But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.
Proverbs 2:22
Every gardener knows that the only way to get rid of weeds without chemicals is to remove the weed and its roots. Cut it down and the weed will rear its ugly head again - pull it up by the roots and it is gone forever. Such is the promise above regarding the wicked and transgressors. There is no promise of sustained life for those who transgress.
When God looks in our heart, does he see bed of righteousness or a plot of weeds? He is the only One capable of knowing our heart. Weeds of hatred, envy and pride can quickly take hold within our heart and choke out the flowers of love, kindness and mercy. When the first sprout of sin arises, ask the Gardner of your heart to remove it by its roots. Don't allow the weed to grow and choke out the beauty of a pure heart. Seek Him and he will rid you of the ugly weeds of sin.
Proverbs 2:22
Every gardener knows that the only way to get rid of weeds without chemicals is to remove the weed and its roots. Cut it down and the weed will rear its ugly head again - pull it up by the roots and it is gone forever. Such is the promise above regarding the wicked and transgressors. There is no promise of sustained life for those who transgress.
When God looks in our heart, does he see bed of righteousness or a plot of weeds? He is the only One capable of knowing our heart. Weeds of hatred, envy and pride can quickly take hold within our heart and choke out the flowers of love, kindness and mercy. When the first sprout of sin arises, ask the Gardner of your heart to remove it by its roots. Don't allow the weed to grow and choke out the beauty of a pure heart. Seek Him and he will rid you of the ugly weeds of sin.
December 1, 2010
Wormy Fruit
Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
Proverbs 1:31
One of the pleasures of growing your own fruit is the joy of eating fruit fresh off the branch! You have the satisfaction of knowing how it was grown and the absence of chemicals. Nothing ruins the moment worse than taking a big bite only to find the remaining half of a worm! Satisfaction instantly turns to disgust and rejection.
Isn't our lives the same? While we may be pristine on the outside, we can be filled with worms on the inside! And when you realize the "true colors" of an individual, you experience the same disgust and rejection. Do you desire to be respected or rejected?
There is only one way to become delectable fruit - to be cleansed from the inside out. Can you mirror David's words "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:" (Psalms 139:23)? If not, you may be wormy fruit - ask for his forgiveness so that you may become the apple of His eye!
Proverbs 1:31
One of the pleasures of growing your own fruit is the joy of eating fruit fresh off the branch! You have the satisfaction of knowing how it was grown and the absence of chemicals. Nothing ruins the moment worse than taking a big bite only to find the remaining half of a worm! Satisfaction instantly turns to disgust and rejection.
Isn't our lives the same? While we may be pristine on the outside, we can be filled with worms on the inside! And when you realize the "true colors" of an individual, you experience the same disgust and rejection. Do you desire to be respected or rejected?
There is only one way to become delectable fruit - to be cleansed from the inside out. Can you mirror David's words "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:" (Psalms 139:23)? If not, you may be wormy fruit - ask for his forgiveness so that you may become the apple of His eye!
November 30, 2010
Parental Encouragement
There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.
Proverbs 30:11
As parents, we are often discouraged with our parenting abilities. It seems that we are just not getting through to our children. The self-incriminating questions follow: What am I doing wrong? Should I have given in? Am I being too harsh?
The verse above highlights that our children are not the first to be disobedient and disrespectful. From before the Ten Commandments, children have been exhorted to obey their parents. Jesus gives us the parable of the Prodigal Son and Paul reinforces the promise of long life to those who obey their parents. (Ephesians 6:1-3) The Bible is full of admonition to be obedient to your parents - but why? Because it is not the norm. We (too) have rebelled against our parents to some varying degree. And our children will as well.
While rebellion is to be expected, it doesn't have to be accepted. The perfect example is God's love for us. While we all have the option to accept Christ, God does not condone our sinful behavior. As parents, we should not condone our children's behavior either. But we should follow His example of correcting in a loving but firm manner. What a better way to emulate our Christian father than to follow his example in raising our children!
And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Ephisians 6:4
Proverbs 30:11
As parents, we are often discouraged with our parenting abilities. It seems that we are just not getting through to our children. The self-incriminating questions follow: What am I doing wrong? Should I have given in? Am I being too harsh?
The verse above highlights that our children are not the first to be disobedient and disrespectful. From before the Ten Commandments, children have been exhorted to obey their parents. Jesus gives us the parable of the Prodigal Son and Paul reinforces the promise of long life to those who obey their parents. (Ephesians 6:1-3) The Bible is full of admonition to be obedient to your parents - but why? Because it is not the norm. We (too) have rebelled against our parents to some varying degree. And our children will as well.
While rebellion is to be expected, it doesn't have to be accepted. The perfect example is God's love for us. While we all have the option to accept Christ, God does not condone our sinful behavior. As parents, we should not condone our children's behavior either. But we should follow His example of correcting in a loving but firm manner. What a better way to emulate our Christian father than to follow his example in raising our children!
And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Ephisians 6:4
November 29, 2010
Instant Failure
A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
Proverbs 29:23
There is no better guarantee for failure than to allow pride to take charge. When we lose focus of Who is in charge, we lose focus of what is important. No sooner do we start patting our back than we should be prepared to fall flat on our face.
Jesus gave us numerous examples and parables of the result in pride being in charge: from the widow's mite to the proud prayer in the synagogue. Jesus repeatedly encourages us to put pride in the back seat and serve Him and others humbly. Perhaps, the best verse to summarize is Matthew 23:12: And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
Rather than being consumed with instant success which can lead to instant failure, we should stay focused on humble service to God and others!
Proverbs 29:23
There is no better guarantee for failure than to allow pride to take charge. When we lose focus of Who is in charge, we lose focus of what is important. No sooner do we start patting our back than we should be prepared to fall flat on our face.
Jesus gave us numerous examples and parables of the result in pride being in charge: from the widow's mite to the proud prayer in the synagogue. Jesus repeatedly encourages us to put pride in the back seat and serve Him and others humbly. Perhaps, the best verse to summarize is Matthew 23:12: And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
Rather than being consumed with instant success which can lead to instant failure, we should stay focused on humble service to God and others!
November 28, 2010
Infinite Understanding
Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.
Proverbs 28:5
I have often struggled with this verse for I can not easily explain how bacteria grows or how to cure cancer. So how can Solomon state that they who seek the Lord will understand all things? Have I failed to truly seek Him? Should I be worried about my salvation?
Perhaps, we can approach the verse from a different perspective. While I don't know how to create a universe, I know who did. While I can't explain how to create life, I know someone who did. And while I can't explain a love so strong it would make you willing to give up your life, I know someone who did.
In John 13:7, Jesus told Peter - Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. It is comforting to know that we may not understand everything, but we know who does.
Have you been stumped today? Are things just too hard to understand? Look to Him that has infinite understanding. Trust in Him and He will reveal the secret in due time!
Proverbs 28:5
I have often struggled with this verse for I can not easily explain how bacteria grows or how to cure cancer. So how can Solomon state that they who seek the Lord will understand all things? Have I failed to truly seek Him? Should I be worried about my salvation?
Perhaps, we can approach the verse from a different perspective. While I don't know how to create a universe, I know who did. While I can't explain how to create life, I know someone who did. And while I can't explain a love so strong it would make you willing to give up your life, I know someone who did.
In John 13:7, Jesus told Peter - Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. It is comforting to know that we may not understand everything, but we know who does.
Have you been stumped today? Are things just too hard to understand? Look to Him that has infinite understanding. Trust in Him and He will reveal the secret in due time!
November 27, 2010
The Oven's Aroma
Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.
Proverbs 27:9
My least favorite place in any department store is the perfume and makeup area. There are just too many scents that are intermingled and my brain becomes overloaded and my stomach churns in confusion. Not a pleasant sight! However, singular scents and aromas evict emotions with vivid memories. I can still remember the scent of my wife's grandmother, even though she has passed on. And the pleasant memories spill forward just thinking of her scent. The same is true during this holiday season - the smell of the turkey coming out of the oven or the chocolate creations my wife makes each holiday surrounds me with a feeling of "home" which is so peaceful for the road-weary traveler I am through out the year.
As Solomon points out above, the same peacefulness is gained by strong counsel by a friend. While they may not always agree with you. You can be confident they are truly expressing their own opinion. And when an issue is resolved, peacefulness is obtained. Such honesty in opinion mingled with a love of friendship is not an ordinary occurrence. If you are blessed with such a relationship - be thankful and let them know your appreciation.
As Solomon states, in order to have such a friend - we must be a friend ourselves (Proverbs 18:24). Commit to give of yourself to others in an honest and caring manner. Then you will be welcomed as the smell of freshly-baked tea cakes coming from the oven!
Proverbs 27:9
My least favorite place in any department store is the perfume and makeup area. There are just too many scents that are intermingled and my brain becomes overloaded and my stomach churns in confusion. Not a pleasant sight! However, singular scents and aromas evict emotions with vivid memories. I can still remember the scent of my wife's grandmother, even though she has passed on. And the pleasant memories spill forward just thinking of her scent. The same is true during this holiday season - the smell of the turkey coming out of the oven or the chocolate creations my wife makes each holiday surrounds me with a feeling of "home" which is so peaceful for the road-weary traveler I am through out the year.
As Solomon points out above, the same peacefulness is gained by strong counsel by a friend. While they may not always agree with you. You can be confident they are truly expressing their own opinion. And when an issue is resolved, peacefulness is obtained. Such honesty in opinion mingled with a love of friendship is not an ordinary occurrence. If you are blessed with such a relationship - be thankful and let them know your appreciation.
As Solomon states, in order to have such a friend - we must be a friend ourselves (Proverbs 18:24). Commit to give of yourself to others in an honest and caring manner. Then you will be welcomed as the smell of freshly-baked tea cakes coming from the oven!
November 26, 2010
Consider The Source
The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
Proverbs 26:7
I don't believe Solomon was being demeaning to the lame in the verse but he was highlighting the obvious. Much like the second half of the verse. Parables were used to impart wisdom, so how could a fool impart wisdom? Seems obvious, doesn't it? But is it?
When we are experiencing challenges in our life, we tend to seek advice from others. And most are happy to give advice - it has limited impact on their lives if you choose to follow it. But we should be careful to consider the source. Do they have a biblical basis for their advice? Do they have our best interest at heart? If not, how well will the advice blend with your life's goals?
Why not seek advice from the One who always has our best interest at heart, in this life and forever more? David advises in Psalms 23:3 - He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. When He leads us, it is for His glory not ours or others. Seek his advice and you will never be led astray.
Proverbs 26:7
I don't believe Solomon was being demeaning to the lame in the verse but he was highlighting the obvious. Much like the second half of the verse. Parables were used to impart wisdom, so how could a fool impart wisdom? Seems obvious, doesn't it? But is it?
When we are experiencing challenges in our life, we tend to seek advice from others. And most are happy to give advice - it has limited impact on their lives if you choose to follow it. But we should be careful to consider the source. Do they have a biblical basis for their advice? Do they have our best interest at heart? If not, how well will the advice blend with your life's goals?
Why not seek advice from the One who always has our best interest at heart, in this life and forever more? David advises in Psalms 23:3 - He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. When He leads us, it is for His glory not ours or others. Seek his advice and you will never be led astray.
November 25, 2010
Paper-Sack Trucks
Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.
Proverbs 25:14
I was a young teenager when compact pickup trucks were first introduced. The goal was for them to be economical, so they only had a four-cylinder engine. Great for gas mileage but horrible for hauling heavy loads. My grandfather called them "paper sack trucks" since he reasoned they couldn't haul more than one paper sack of goods. Needless to say, he never bought one since he viewed them as a useless mode of hauling.
Do people view us as "paper sack trucks"? Do we boast of our Christianity but fail to demonstrate His love for others? Do we belittle others instead of helping them? Do we freely give our time and resources to others without expecting something in return? If so, we are like Solomon's description above - clouds and wind without rain. We do not provide actual nourishment to the ground but simply get people's expectations heightened without delivering.
Take a close look at your actions - do you actually deliver the goods of Christianity? If not, seek the one who can help you put your actions where your mouth is. It is from Him that our strength flows to carry the load!
Proverbs 25:14
I was a young teenager when compact pickup trucks were first introduced. The goal was for them to be economical, so they only had a four-cylinder engine. Great for gas mileage but horrible for hauling heavy loads. My grandfather called them "paper sack trucks" since he reasoned they couldn't haul more than one paper sack of goods. Needless to say, he never bought one since he viewed them as a useless mode of hauling.
Do people view us as "paper sack trucks"? Do we boast of our Christianity but fail to demonstrate His love for others? Do we belittle others instead of helping them? Do we freely give our time and resources to others without expecting something in return? If so, we are like Solomon's description above - clouds and wind without rain. We do not provide actual nourishment to the ground but simply get people's expectations heightened without delivering.
Take a close look at your actions - do you actually deliver the goods of Christianity? If not, seek the one who can help you put your actions where your mouth is. It is from Him that our strength flows to carry the load!
November 24, 2010
Gloat Not
Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him. Proverbs 24:17-18
We all have a nemesis that continuously frustrates us. They tend to grate on our last nerve based upon their actions or words. While we strive to show Christian love to all, there are some that it seems almost impossible - based upon their behavior towards us. While we know that it would give us great satisfaction just to set them straight, just once, we know it is not the right thing to do.
And then, finally, they get what is coming to them! My immediate reaction is to rejoice in their sorrow or pain. But Solomon cautions us above to refrain from gloating over their misfortune lest the Lord turns His wrath away from them.
Such action on my part is not easy to do but I have taken a slightly different approach. David experienced the same frustrations from his enemies in Psalms 35. However, he did not gloat when the wrath of God fell upon his nemesis. Rather, he praised God (Psalms 35:28). And so should we - when God takes care of our nemesis, we should not gloat but praise Him for answering our prayers of protection!
We all have a nemesis that continuously frustrates us. They tend to grate on our last nerve based upon their actions or words. While we strive to show Christian love to all, there are some that it seems almost impossible - based upon their behavior towards us. While we know that it would give us great satisfaction just to set them straight, just once, we know it is not the right thing to do.
And then, finally, they get what is coming to them! My immediate reaction is to rejoice in their sorrow or pain. But Solomon cautions us above to refrain from gloating over their misfortune lest the Lord turns His wrath away from them.
Such action on my part is not easy to do but I have taken a slightly different approach. David experienced the same frustrations from his enemies in Psalms 35. However, he did not gloat when the wrath of God fell upon his nemesis. Rather, he praised God (Psalms 35:28). And so should we - when God takes care of our nemesis, we should not gloat but praise Him for answering our prayers of protection!
November 23, 2010
The Proud Rooster
The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him. Proverbs 23:24
I don't think anyone could be prouder of their sons than I am of my three boys. They are healthy, smart, kind and respectful (at least to others). As they continue to mature, I am amazed at their potential and wisdom. But most of all, I am thankful they know Jesus Christ. I have been exceedingly blessed to have such great young men.
Sounds like boasting - doesn't it? Yes, I confess it is. Much like the rooster who struts in the chicken pen admiring his offspring. Nothing causes your chest to swell as much as observing the accomplishments of your children.
While I have never been to heaven, I can imagine that Jesus struts around pointing out the righteous actions of His children as well. No matter how dismal our physical condition on earth may be, if we are following His will, he will be proud of our actions.
Look closely at the verse above, again. The father of the righteous - while I am the biological father of my children, they are born into righteousness by another Father. And He is the one who struts like a rooster when we follow His will! No matter your family situation on earth, rest assured that your Heavenly Father is always watching and crows proudly when you do well!
I don't think anyone could be prouder of their sons than I am of my three boys. They are healthy, smart, kind and respectful (at least to others). As they continue to mature, I am amazed at their potential and wisdom. But most of all, I am thankful they know Jesus Christ. I have been exceedingly blessed to have such great young men.
Sounds like boasting - doesn't it? Yes, I confess it is. Much like the rooster who struts in the chicken pen admiring his offspring. Nothing causes your chest to swell as much as observing the accomplishments of your children.
While I have never been to heaven, I can imagine that Jesus struts around pointing out the righteous actions of His children as well. No matter how dismal our physical condition on earth may be, if we are following His will, he will be proud of our actions.
Look closely at the verse above, again. The father of the righteous - while I am the biological father of my children, they are born into righteousness by another Father. And He is the one who struts like a rooster when we follow His will! No matter your family situation on earth, rest assured that your Heavenly Father is always watching and crows proudly when you do well!
