Dan Bolin's Blog, page 13

Ashes Away

Nº 256

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - June 27, 2023

Christ died not in order to make God love us, but because He did love His people. Calvary is the supreme demonstration of Divine love. Whenever you are tempted to doubt the love of God, go back to Calvary. - A.W. Pink

While watching my grandson play soccer at a local park, I noticed a young mother and her 4-year-old son. He discovered a long-abandoned campfire and proceeded to throw fistfuls of ashes into the air, covering himself with soot. The young mother hurried toward him, but he ran away only to trip and sprawl headlong into the dirt. Now – with a skinned knee and covered with ashes – he was crying for his mother.

She hurried to comfort her young son. She attended to his knee, cleaned him up, and sent him back to play. About two minutes later he was back in the fire pit with billows of ashes surrounding him again. As before, mom hurried toward him; again, the boy ran away. Once more he tripped and faceplanted in the dirt, screaming in agony.

The gracious, patient, and loving mother again scooped him up, cuddled him, fixed his hurts, and cleaned away the dirt and ashes. But she told him not to play in the fire pit ever again!

God’s love for us is greater than our inclinations to get dirty, run from Him, and make painful mistakes. “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you.” (Isaiah 66:13a)

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin

Author & President

Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

Practice, Practice, Practice

Nº 255

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - June 20, 2023

If a man does not exercise his arm he develops no biceps muscle; and if a man does not exercise his soul, he acquires no muscle in his soul, no strength of character, no vigor of moral fiber, nor beauty of Spiritual growth. - Henry Drummond

An interviewer asked the star football player (American style) how he spent his ‘off season.’ “Practicing” was his simple reply. He spoke of watching film of his previous season and talking to retired players who provided insight and advice. But mainly he said he worked hard each day to improve his God-given skills to use them more effectively.

Like the football player, God has gifted each of us with special abilities and unique gifts. Some people are gifted teachers and preachers, other are equipped to help behind the scenes. Whatever gifts we have, God expects us to develop and use them effectively.

Paul told his young friend Timothy, “Do not neglect the gifts you have. . . Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.” (I Timothy 4:14-15)

Practice always involves repetition. The more we do the same thing over and over the deeper it lodges in our memory, creating a default pattern of behavior.

Most of us are not super-star Christians, but each of us has gifts we need to serve God and help our teammates. Practice, practice, practice to develop your gifts and to use them to glorify God to the best of your abilities.

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin

Author & President

Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

Best Dad Ever

Nº 254

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - June 13, 2023

The happiest and holiest children in the world are the children whose fathers succeed in winning both their tender affection and their reverential and loving fear. And they are the children who will come to understand most easily the mystery of the fatherhood of God. - John Piper

Many countries celebrate next Sunday as Father’s Day. This holiday focuses on thanking dads for their sacrifices and guidance. It is also a day for dads to reflect on the wonderful children who make them proud!

One day Jesus took Peter, James, and John to a high mountain; there they met Moses and Elijah. During their conversation, God the Father made a powerful Father’s Day pronouncement: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him.” (Matthew 17:5)

This simple statement not only demonstrated the Father’s love for His Son, it also provides several powerful parenting insights for dads (and moms).

It solidified their relationship. This is my beloved Son. (That’s my boy!) Let your children know you are thrilled that they are a part of your family. It expressed love. Beloved Son. Tell your children you love them in word and deed. It affirmed His approval. I am well pleased. Let your children know you are proud of their accomplishments. It valued Jesus’ contributions. Listen to Him. Encourage others to appreciate your children’s insights and input.

Remember these lessons. They are from the only perfect Father we can trust and follow.

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin

Author & President

Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

Encouraging Words

Nº 253

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - June 6, 2023

The world is full of discouragers. We have a Christian duty to encourage one another. Many a time a word of praise or thanks or appreciation or cheer has kept a man on his feet. Blessed is the man who speaks such a word. - William Barclay

I spent 25 summers working at a Christian camp. Over the years, thousands of campers and staff rolled through the gates. A few weeks ago, I received an email from a man who served on summer staff almost 40 years ago. He worked hard, enjoyed camp, and married a summer co-worker. I totally lost track of them, and we had not interacted for decades.

That 20-something college student I knew is now a retired grandfather.

His message was filled with kind and encouraging words. I was not having a bad day, but it certainly got better as I read his heart-felt comments. It was refreshing and heartening to know that a relational investment made decades ago was still paying dividends.

The ancient proverb came to mind, “Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.” (Proverbs 25:25) The “distant land” may be time or space, but the effect is the same – deep soul refreshment.

We all stand on someone else’s shoulders; we all owe others a debt of gratitude. My friend chose to reach through the years and encourage me. Maybe someone in your past needs a cup of good news from a distant land!

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin

Author & President

Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

Triumph & Tension

Nº 252

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - May 30, 2023

Amid the greatest difficulties of my administration, when I could not see any other resort, I would place my whole reliance in God, knowing that all would go well, and that He would decide for the right. - Abraham Lincoln

One hundred and one years ago today, the Lincoln Memorial was dedicated in Washington, D.C. Its grandeur, location, and symbolism provide a powerful reminder of Lincoln’s greatness. It took over 60 years to complete.

The memorial embodies many significant symbols. Thirty-six columns surround the structure representing each of the 36 states that comprised the United States during Lincoln’s tenure as president, both Union and Confederate.

Lincoln’s clenched left hand symbolizes his powerful resolve; his open right hand represents his willingness to graciously engage all people.

These and other significant images focus on Lincoln’s iron will and gracious heart. Lincoln is considered by many to be the United States’ greatest president not because of his unbending resolve or gracious heart. His greatness lay in his ability to hold firmly to both and live productively within that excruciating tension.

The Apostle John proclaimed Jesus’ greatness in the opening verses of his Gospel. “We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14).

Jesus embodied both grace and truth and lived magnificently within that tension. Like Jesus, hold tightly to truth, reach graciously toward others, and trust God for the wisdom and strength to navigate the tension.

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin

Author & President

Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

Keep Hope Alive

Nº 251

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - May 23, 2023

Hope fills the afflicted soul with such inward joy and consolation, that it can laugh while tears are in the eye, sigh and sing all in a breath; it is called “the rejoicing of hope.” (Hebrews 3:6) - William Gurnall

The leadership writer Joseph Batton said, “The first task of a leader is to keep hope alive.” Hope is a powerful force; it can sustain our resolve in the face of enormous challenges and painful circumstances. But when hope is gone, our determination to continue is eroded.

The prophet Micah predicted a daunting reality: his nation would be defeated, Jerusalem destroyed, the temple demolished, and the people demoralized. Beyond that disastrous forecast, Micah prophesied that the people would be exiled out of their Promised Land.

His grim vision of the coming collapse of his nation was tempered with the silver lining of hope. He prophesied, “You will go to Babylon; there you will be rescued. There the Lord will redeem you out of the hands of your enemies.” (Micah 4:10b)

With the reality of captivity came the assurance of rescue. With the prospect of enslavement came the guarantee of redemption. Micah’s foreboding prophecy was not the final reality or the complete picture. Beyond their painful circumstance was the hope of rescue and redemption.

The pain of today would love to steal our hope for a better tomorrow. In your difficult situation, never lose sight of God’s hope of rescue and redemption.

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin

Author & President

Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

Donkey Talk

Nº 250

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - May 16, 2023

We may be often not in right circumstances, but Christ ever knows how to speak to us in them. - G.V. Wigram

Balaam, a prophet, was begged by a pagan king to come and curse the children of Israel. Initially Balaam refused, but he eventually relented and agreed to go, with some stipulations.

While on the way, the angel of the Lord – with a drawn sword – stood in his way. Balaam was blind to the supernatural warrior, but his donkey clearly saw the danger. Three times he stubbornly avoided the confrontation. Balaam’s anger led him to beat his donkey, even threatening to kill the poor beast if he only had a sword.

God allowed the donkey to speak. “What have I done to make you beat me these three times?” (Numbers 22:28). Then God allowed Balaam to see the impending danger. The angel of the Lord replied, “I have come here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one.” (Numbers 22:32)

Three interesting principles:

It is better to be like the donkey and see and not speak than to be like Balaam – to speak and not see. Having a sword and the discipline not to use it is much better than to be like Balaam, whose impulsive anger outstretched his discipline. Some of life’s frustrating obstacles may be God’s means of protecting us from reckless pathways.

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin

Author & President

Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

Mothers of Distinction

Nº 249

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - May 9, 2023

God graciously puts [common] love in the hearts of all mothers. Society is better because of it. But add Christ to that, and you have something far richer. Only a Christian mom can love that child “for Christ’s sake,” and “as unto the Lord.” Only a Christian mom can show her child what it means to be a true believer in Christ. Only a Christian mom can pray effectively for her child. Only a Christian mom can teach her children the truth about Jesus. Only a Christian mom can teach her kids what marriage is all about, even when times are difficult. And only a Christian mom can die as a lover of Christ, contentedly anticipating eternity in the house of her heavenly father. - Jim Elliff

In the United States, Mother’s Day holds three distinctions: the day when the most phone calls are made, the top day for people to eat in restaurants, and besides Easter and Christmas, Mother’s Day Sunday has the highest church attendance of the year.

One of the Ten Commandments requires us to honor our father and mother. We honor our moms with our phone calls and connecting conversations. We honor our moms by providing a meal that they are not responsible to cook, serve, and clean up after. And we honor our moms when we reconnect with the spiritual influence they tried to instill in our lives.

One of the most important roles of a mother is to have a spiritual impact on her children. For more than 2,000 years moms have been living godly examples and providing spiritual instruction. Paul wrote to Timothy, “I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” (2 Timothy 1:5)

Make the phone call. Take mom out to eat. Go to church with her. But what will honor our mothers the most is if we return to the spiritual roots they endeavored to instill in us.

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin

Author & President

Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

No Limits

Nº 248

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - May 2, 2023

Don’t assume you have to be extraordinary to be used by God. You don’t have to have exceptional gifts, talents, abilities, or connections. God specializes in using ordinary people whose limitations and weaknesses make them ideal showcases for His greatness and glory. - Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth

One of my finest employees could neither read nor write.

Despite this weakness, she was hard-working, responsible, and loyal. She soon became the manager of her department. She expected a lot from her staff, and they loved her. She was courageous enough to share with me her perspectives on some of my questionable leadership decisions.

She was ingenious and worked around her literacy weakness. She did not allow that one glaring issue to define her or limit her effectiveness.

The Apostle Paul knew a little about weakness. He had an unknown problem that could have limited his ministry. Scripture tells us Paul prayed three times for his problem to go away, God replied, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul’s response was classic: “Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

This exceptional former employee passed away a few weeks ago, and so did the weaknesses that limited her earthly life. Don’t allow a perceived weakness to limit or define you. Rely on God’s power and remember Jesus’ words to Paul – and all of us: My grace is sufficient for you.

Dan Bolin

Author & President

Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc.

Special thanks to the following camps for their generous support and partnership with camps in Brazil!

WIth their help, Refueling in Flight Ministries just sent funds to sponsor 25 camp membership incentives.

Covid hit CCI-Brazil hard! The funds will be used to provide a $150 gift card from a national sporting goods store to every camp that joins before their national conference next May. That amount corresponds to CCI-Brazil’s annual membership fee and will create a tangible motivation to join (or re-join).

Camp Cho-Yeh. Camp Gilead. Camp Peniel. Camp Sugar Pine. Camp Tejas. Camp Timber-lee. Camp Zion. Carolina Creek. Deerfoot. Glorieta Camps. Grace Adventures. Hartland Christian Camp. Inspiration Point. Mile High Pines. New Life Ranch. Salvation Army Redwood Glen. Sky Ranch. Warm Beach Camp. Wind River Ranch

Saint's Past - Sinner's Future

Nº 247

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - April 25, 2023

Beware of harking back to what you once were when God wants you to be something you have never been. - Oswald Chambers

St Augustine was one of Christianity’s greatest theologians. As a young scholar and orator, he migrated from North Africa to Milan, Italy, where he met St. Ambrose, a distinguished theologian and gifted orator. Ambrose shared the gospel with Augustine and after reading his Bible and wrestling with the truth, Augustine recognized his sin and his need of salvation. He trusted Christ, his life transformed, and was baptized on Easter, AD 387.

One of his many memorable quotes is, “There is no saint without a past, no sinner without a future.”

Augustine had a past. As a student, his love affair with an unnamed woman produced a son, Adeodatus. Augustine had a future. He became a renowned bishop, fought heresy, wrote extensively, shaped the thinking of many theologians, and has influenced Christianity for almost 1,700 years.

The passage that triggered his conversion was, “Let us behave decently. . . not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 13:13-14a)

Your past and future may not be as dramatic as Augustine’s, but we all have issues to abandon and a relationship to deepen with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Dan Bolin

Author & President

Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc.