B.C. Bolt's Blog, page 87
November 22, 2010
Heed The Warning Signs
A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.
Proverbs 22:3
In the construction industry, we use signs and barricades to warn passersby of potential dangers. Yet, each year, numerous people are injured or lose their life due to failure to heed the warning signs. Solomon encourages us to recognize the evil and hide from it. He doesn't ask us to challenge evil's ability to ruin our life but simply leave it alone.
How often do we recognize that we are doing wrong but try to justify our actions? "Just this once" or "Everyone else does it" does not provide justification for doing something we know is wrong. Yet, we will cry out to Jesus when we have reaped the fruit of our actions. Why? Did He not twinge our conscience through the Holy Spirit? Were we not informed of the risks?
Take Solomon's advice to steer clear of evil and the results will not follow!
Proverbs 22:3
In the construction industry, we use signs and barricades to warn passersby of potential dangers. Yet, each year, numerous people are injured or lose their life due to failure to heed the warning signs. Solomon encourages us to recognize the evil and hide from it. He doesn't ask us to challenge evil's ability to ruin our life but simply leave it alone.
How often do we recognize that we are doing wrong but try to justify our actions? "Just this once" or "Everyone else does it" does not provide justification for doing something we know is wrong. Yet, we will cry out to Jesus when we have reaped the fruit of our actions. Why? Did He not twinge our conscience through the Holy Spirit? Were we not informed of the risks?
Take Solomon's advice to steer clear of evil and the results will not follow!
November 21, 2010
The Cart Before The Horse
The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.
Proverbs 21:31
My father often accused me of "getting the cart before the horse" by making big plans to be rich and famous at an early age. He would gently point out the flaws in my childish plans and explain why they would not work.
Solomon points out the same above. Why would you depend on the horse for protection during battle when the only one that can provide safety is the Lord? Literally, putting the horse before safe battle plans! Don't we do the same with our Christianity? We often make big plans on how we can show God's love to others when he will provide the opportunity with or without our input!
So instead of making big plans, why not submit to His will? That way, we don't have to develop elaborate plans to prove our Christianity. But simply ask, "Lord, what would you have me to do?"
Proverbs 21:31
My father often accused me of "getting the cart before the horse" by making big plans to be rich and famous at an early age. He would gently point out the flaws in my childish plans and explain why they would not work.
Solomon points out the same above. Why would you depend on the horse for protection during battle when the only one that can provide safety is the Lord? Literally, putting the horse before safe battle plans! Don't we do the same with our Christianity? We often make big plans on how we can show God's love to others when he will provide the opportunity with or without our input!
So instead of making big plans, why not submit to His will? That way, we don't have to develop elaborate plans to prove our Christianity. But simply ask, "Lord, what would you have me to do?"
November 20, 2010
Procrastination Prevention
The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.
Proverbs 20:4
I must confess that I don't always bounce out of bed anxious to head to another day of work. There are those days that the alarm clock sounds too early and I would prefer to just pull the covers over my head and stay home. Have you had days like that? There are a myriad of reasons why we don't desire to dash out the door to work - an overbearing boss, looming deadlines, difficult customers or more exciting things to do at home. Regardless, we know that if we don't work, we can't provide for our family. As a result, without working we would have nothing as stated above.
Is it the same in your Christian life? Do you dread serving at church or serving others? Do you feel like the effort is just not worth it? As if, your efforts are not recognized or appreciated. The nagging question creeps in your head: "Why bother?"
What if Jesus felt the same way about us when faced with the choice of crucifixion for our sins. Did we notice? Did we appreciate His efforts? Was there great rejoicing for his actions on that memorable day? More importantly, was He willing to sacrifice himself for a lost and uncaring world?
If our Savior is willing to serve on the day he knew death was coming, how can we possibly refuse to serve Him by showing His love to others? Our reasons for not going to work pale in comparison to the decision he made that morning when he woke up. So prevent procrastination from occurring by thanking Him for setting the ultimate example by giving the ultimate sacrifice.
Proverbs 20:4
I must confess that I don't always bounce out of bed anxious to head to another day of work. There are those days that the alarm clock sounds too early and I would prefer to just pull the covers over my head and stay home. Have you had days like that? There are a myriad of reasons why we don't desire to dash out the door to work - an overbearing boss, looming deadlines, difficult customers or more exciting things to do at home. Regardless, we know that if we don't work, we can't provide for our family. As a result, without working we would have nothing as stated above.
Is it the same in your Christian life? Do you dread serving at church or serving others? Do you feel like the effort is just not worth it? As if, your efforts are not recognized or appreciated. The nagging question creeps in your head: "Why bother?"
What if Jesus felt the same way about us when faced with the choice of crucifixion for our sins. Did we notice? Did we appreciate His efforts? Was there great rejoicing for his actions on that memorable day? More importantly, was He willing to sacrifice himself for a lost and uncaring world?
If our Savior is willing to serve on the day he knew death was coming, how can we possibly refuse to serve Him by showing His love to others? Our reasons for not going to work pale in comparison to the decision he made that morning when he woke up. So prevent procrastination from occurring by thanking Him for setting the ultimate example by giving the ultimate sacrifice.
November 19, 2010
Inverted Standards
Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. Proverbs 19:1
Too often we measure our success by worldly standards vice Godly standards. The world measures a man's importance by his wealth. God measures our worth by our integrity. The press annually updates the list of the richest people in the world. God continuously updates the Book of Life with those who walk in integrity.
Which standard are you using for judging others? Godly or wordly standards? More importantly, which standard is your goal? Are you seeking short term recognition or long term rewards? We need to recognize the value of following God's standard regardless of our position in life.
Too often we measure our success by worldly standards vice Godly standards. The world measures a man's importance by his wealth. God measures our worth by our integrity. The press annually updates the list of the richest people in the world. God continuously updates the Book of Life with those who walk in integrity.
Which standard are you using for judging others? Godly or wordly standards? More importantly, which standard is your goal? Are you seeking short term recognition or long term rewards? We need to recognize the value of following God's standard regardless of our position in life.
November 18, 2010
Fly Paper Friends
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24
When I grew up on the farm, we used to hang fly papers to catch the millions of flys that harassed us during the summer. They came in small round canisters that you hung up by a tack that was included and you pulled them down to expose the sticky paper. If you ever messed up, you ended up with the fly paper wrapped all around your hand and was hard to get off!
Solomon describes a friend as sticking closer than a brother - what a concept. Your brother knows all about you and your idiosyncrasies but still buys you a Christmas present each year. Your friend is not constrained by family relationships but still chooses to buy you a gift! Truly an indication of their acceptance of you, good and bad habits considered.
But Solomon highlights the requirements for having such friends - being friendly yourself. No one chooses to befriend someone that is unfriendly or unapproachable. We must open up to others in order for them to accept us as we are. Honesty and sincerity are keys to a lasting friendship.
Do you have friends that stick by you better than fly paper? If so, let them know how much you appreciate their friendship! They don't have to stick around but they choose to do so on their own accord. Their kindness should not go unrecognized. Likewise, give yourself a pat on the back for being approachable as well! You deserve it!
When I grew up on the farm, we used to hang fly papers to catch the millions of flys that harassed us during the summer. They came in small round canisters that you hung up by a tack that was included and you pulled them down to expose the sticky paper. If you ever messed up, you ended up with the fly paper wrapped all around your hand and was hard to get off!
Solomon describes a friend as sticking closer than a brother - what a concept. Your brother knows all about you and your idiosyncrasies but still buys you a Christmas present each year. Your friend is not constrained by family relationships but still chooses to buy you a gift! Truly an indication of their acceptance of you, good and bad habits considered.
But Solomon highlights the requirements for having such friends - being friendly yourself. No one chooses to befriend someone that is unfriendly or unapproachable. We must open up to others in order for them to accept us as we are. Honesty and sincerity are keys to a lasting friendship.
Do you have friends that stick by you better than fly paper? If so, let them know how much you appreciate their friendship! They don't have to stick around but they choose to do so on their own accord. Their kindness should not go unrecognized. Likewise, give yourself a pat on the back for being approachable as well! You deserve it!
November 17, 2010
Tried By Fire
The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts. Proverbs 17:3
While we may treasure silver and gold, the Lord treasures our heart. He knows what is most valuable in our life and works on it rather than the items that we may treasure. Much like the silver or gold must be melted before the artist can render a beautiful creation, so must our Master melt our heart to create his master piece.
Do you feel as if your heart is being melted and poured out? Is it being beaten by a hammer? Recognize that before we can become a dazzling treasure to our Lord, we must be tried by fire and refined by His hands into what he desires vice what we desire. Commit your heart to Him today. While the transition may be painful, the results will astound you!
While we may treasure silver and gold, the Lord treasures our heart. He knows what is most valuable in our life and works on it rather than the items that we may treasure. Much like the silver or gold must be melted before the artist can render a beautiful creation, so must our Master melt our heart to create his master piece.
Do you feel as if your heart is being melted and poured out? Is it being beaten by a hammer? Recognize that before we can become a dazzling treasure to our Lord, we must be tried by fire and refined by His hands into what he desires vice what we desire. Commit your heart to Him today. While the transition may be painful, the results will astound you!
November 16, 2010
High Flying Buzzards
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18
How often have we thought we were doing great only to fall flat on our face? Just when I think I have it all under control, everything falls apart! Such is the description given above by Solomon. When we start trusting in ourselves instead of God, we sink out of control. Kind of like Peter walking on the water (Matthew 14:24-33). And Jesus's answer to Peter? "O thou of little faith". Isn't it the same with us? We start doing swell on what we think is our own, only to realize we are nothing without God.
It reminds me of the image of eagle's soaring - they are graceful and full of strength. Unfortunately, we are often the buzzards my father described to me one day - "They are soaring high and think they are eagles. But eventually, they will swoop back down to reality and eat the rotten flesh vice the fresh food of eagles." There is only one way to transform us from the filthy buzzards to the graceful eagle - salvation. When we become new through Jesus Christ, we put away our old habits and "all things are new" (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Tired of reverting back to failures and the filthiness of sin? Put your trust in the only one who can truly change us from the inside out!
How often have we thought we were doing great only to fall flat on our face? Just when I think I have it all under control, everything falls apart! Such is the description given above by Solomon. When we start trusting in ourselves instead of God, we sink out of control. Kind of like Peter walking on the water (Matthew 14:24-33). And Jesus's answer to Peter? "O thou of little faith". Isn't it the same with us? We start doing swell on what we think is our own, only to realize we are nothing without God.
It reminds me of the image of eagle's soaring - they are graceful and full of strength. Unfortunately, we are often the buzzards my father described to me one day - "They are soaring high and think they are eagles. But eventually, they will swoop back down to reality and eat the rotten flesh vice the fresh food of eagles." There is only one way to transform us from the filthy buzzards to the graceful eagle - salvation. When we become new through Jesus Christ, we put away our old habits and "all things are new" (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Tired of reverting back to failures and the filthiness of sin? Put your trust in the only one who can truly change us from the inside out!
November 15, 2010
A No-Calorie Feast
All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast. Proverbs 15:15
When I think of Thanksgiving Day, a mental image of a huge feast appears! It is the preview of all the great food to follow through New Years. Unfortunately, my wife is an excellent cook and I never leave the Thanksgiving table without over-eating. There are just too many choices that are scrumptious! While I love the food, the calories are my worst enemy in battling the bulge.
However, the feast that Solomon describes above is without guilt or remorse over calories. When we are close to God, we can't help but have a merry or peaceful heart. While the world may be raging about us, He gives up peace in the middle of the storm. You have seen those that retain their composure no matter how devastating the events surrounding them. Such strength can only come from God. He will allow us to feast on His mercy and strength while others struggle to cope.
Do you hunger to feast from the table set for a merry heart? If so, seek Him and He will give you a bountiful feast for your heart without the calories!
But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
Psalms 13:5-6
When I think of Thanksgiving Day, a mental image of a huge feast appears! It is the preview of all the great food to follow through New Years. Unfortunately, my wife is an excellent cook and I never leave the Thanksgiving table without over-eating. There are just too many choices that are scrumptious! While I love the food, the calories are my worst enemy in battling the bulge.
However, the feast that Solomon describes above is without guilt or remorse over calories. When we are close to God, we can't help but have a merry or peaceful heart. While the world may be raging about us, He gives up peace in the middle of the storm. You have seen those that retain their composure no matter how devastating the events surrounding them. Such strength can only come from God. He will allow us to feast on His mercy and strength while others struggle to cope.
Do you hunger to feast from the table set for a merry heart? If so, seek Him and He will give you a bountiful feast for your heart without the calories!
But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
Psalms 13:5-6
November 13, 2010
Love Lost
A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame. Proverbs 13:5
As a kid, I hated many vegetables. Some were so disgusting that I got physically sick just by them being placed on my dinner plate. While I have grown to enjoy eating most vegetables, I can still remember the physical repulsion associated with just the thought of asparagus being place on my plate! While I had not taken a bite, my body would physically react.
We should be the same about lying - physically repulsed by the use of lies in our daily life. Unfortunately, our behavior mimics that of our eating habits. Little by little, we alter our eating habits until we learn to enjoy vegetables. Likewise, our use of lies has less and less impact upon our conscience. And then one day, we are no longer bothered about lying to others.
Solomon encourages us to hate lying. Not dislike, not favor nor ignore but aggressively focus our energy in physically preventing us from lying. Have you lost your love of "white lies" or harmless lies? Follow Solomon's lead and lose your love for the nasty habit.
As a kid, I hated many vegetables. Some were so disgusting that I got physically sick just by them being placed on my dinner plate. While I have grown to enjoy eating most vegetables, I can still remember the physical repulsion associated with just the thought of asparagus being place on my plate! While I had not taken a bite, my body would physically react.
We should be the same about lying - physically repulsed by the use of lies in our daily life. Unfortunately, our behavior mimics that of our eating habits. Little by little, we alter our eating habits until we learn to enjoy vegetables. Likewise, our use of lies has less and less impact upon our conscience. And then one day, we are no longer bothered about lying to others.
Solomon encourages us to hate lying. Not dislike, not favor nor ignore but aggressively focus our energy in physically preventing us from lying. Have you lost your love of "white lies" or harmless lies? Follow Solomon's lead and lose your love for the nasty habit.
