Dan Bolin's Blog, page 16

Twin Strategies

Nº 226

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - November 29, 2022

It is, in fact, a law of the spiritual life that the further you go, the more you are aware of the distance still to be covered. Your growing desire for God makes you increasingly conscious, not so much of where you are in your relationship with Him as of where as yet you are not.- J.I. Packer

My five-year-old grandson is fascinated with chess. We play often and somehow; he always seems to win! So, when a weekly Chess Club organized at his school, he was eager to join. After the first meeting my wife asked him, “Did you learn how to play chess?” “No,” he replied. “I already know how to play chess; we just learned strategy!”

Every chess grandmaster began by grasping the essential rules and learning the basic moves assigned to each piece. But improvement requires a proven strategy and a life-long commitment. Everyone’s development is filled with wins, losses, and steady growth.

Growing is not confined to chess. Peter’s final instruction captures the essential strategy of Christian development. He said, “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18)

For healthy Christians, the two-part strategy of grace and knowledge is essential and requires steady growth. We cannot merely be gracious people while remaining void of God’s truth. But neither should we become biblically and theologically accurate while practicing harsh, critical behaviors.

Move on from the basics. Learn more and more about the twin strategies of grace and knowledge from the only true Grandmaster, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Dan Bolin

Author & President

Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc.

Giving Thanks to the Giver of Thanks

GIVING THANKS TO THE GIVER OF THANKS

Nº 225

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - November 22, 2022

For one who has made thanksgiving the habit of his life, the morning prayer will be, “Lord, what will you give me today to offer back to you?" - Elisabeth Elliot

This week the USA celebrates our annual Thanksgiving holiday. In 1621 the Pilgrims offered thanks to God for His provision and protection – and for their survival. Each November, in some small way, we revisit and renew their hearts of gratitude.

Jesus provided a powerful thanksgiving model.

As Jesus prepared to feed 5,000 hungry listeners with only five loaves and two fish, Mark records, “Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves.” (Mark 6:41a)

Jesus was not overwhelmed by the magnitude of the challenge, nor was He traumatized by the insignificant resources available to Him. His thankful heart lifted His eyes on the Provider and Protector who was not intimidated by 5,000 hungry people or immobilized by one tiny lunch. Jesus simply expressed His gratitude for what He had – a tiny lunch and a great big Father.

After giving thanks, Jesus went to work meeting the needs of the people around Him. That is the ultimate expression of thanksgiving. Not merely appreciating a day filled with food, family, friends, and football but recommitting to reach out to a few of the 5,000 around us who need a little help.

Dan Bolin

Author & President

Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc.

Thank you to all who have extended the reach of these devotions by sharing them on social media. And a special thank to those who have provided the financial support to make this possible!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Failing Forward

Nº 224

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - November 15, 2022

We are always in the forge, or on the anvil; by trials God is shaping us for higher things. - Henry Ward Beecher

At the conclusion of the Last Supper, Jesus delivered a sobering message to Peter. Despite boasting of his faithfulness, Peter would deny Jesus three times before the rooster crowed the next morning.

Preceding the troubling announcement are some of the most astounding words in the Bible. Jesus said, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." (Luke 22:31-32)

Jesus knew that Peter would deny Him. He knew Peter would abandon Him during His trials and torture. Jesus did not intervene and rescue Peter. He merely instructed Peter about what to do after his failure: When you get your life turned around, use what you learn from your failure to help others (my paraphrase).

We all fall down. We all fail. We all deny. We all struggle just like Peter. Our challenge, like Peter’s, is to turn back to Jesus and get our lives on the right track. But that’s not all. God wants to use our inevitable failures to change us for the better. And He wants us to use the lessons we learn to strengthen those around us.

Dan Bolin

Author & President

Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc.

Vote of Confidence

Nº 223

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - November 8, 2022

If I am perturbed by the reproach and misunderstanding that may follow action taken for the good of souls for whom I must give account; if I cannot commit the matter and go on in peace and in silence, remembering Gethsemane and the cross, then I know nothing of Calvary love. - Amy Carmichael

Today is Election Day in the United States. I never miss a chance to vote. It is a civic duty, a noble responsibility, and a privilege we should not take for granted. However, elections can bring out the worst in our society. Bearing false witness has become an art form and thoughtful dialogue a foggy memory.

The hard, rough edges of our discourse are emblematic of the hard, rough edges of our souls. Until we find peace with God, we will never exhibit peace toward others.

Are you exhausted from the bickering? Is your stomach in knots from the contention? Does anger boil within? Do harsh words dominate your discussions? Isaiah’s thoughts may be helpful. He records the lyrics of an ancient song, “You will keep in perfect peace, him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3) A few chapters later he records, “This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel says, in repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15)

Elected officials will bicker and boast, but the Sovereign Lord, the Prince of Peace, offers salvation in exchange for our rest and repentance and strength for our quietness and trust.

Dan Bolin

Author & President

Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc.

Impact Investing

Nº 222

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - November 1, 2022

We should never think that once we have given some money and time to the Lord that the rest is ours to do with as we please. All that we have belongs to God, so He should be taken into consideration in everything we do. - Theodore Epp

The parable of the dishonest steward appears very perplexing (Luke 16:1-9). A corrupt servant is about to be fired so he deceitfully misappropriates his master’s funds to benefit himself. But Jesus seems to affirm this egregious behavior.

“The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light.” (Luke 16:8)

Was Jesus condoning embezzlement or authorizing fraud? Never! Jesus used the story for illustration purposes, not to condone dishonesty.

Jesus told the story to underscore two significant points. First, He reminds us that God owns everything. The money did not belong to the servant, but he was fully authorized to manage the funds. Jesus’ point is that our money is not ours. God entrusts each of us with resources and gives us the freedom to use them wisely or foolishly.

Second, Jesus wants us to be intentional with God’s money. He wants us to use the funds entrusted to us strategically. The dishonest servant applied the funds deliberately, to influence relationships, albeit immorally. We are also called to use our funds purposefully but to influence relationships for God’s purposes, not ours.

Dan BolinPresident

Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc.

Ambassadors

Nº 221

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - October 25, 2022

God does not call His people to a ministry of inquisition. Now is not the time to rip the tares out. Our mission is not a political or military crusade, and this is not the time of judgment where we are called to distribute retribution. We are sent out rather to be ambassadors for Christ, emissaries of His mercy and grace. - John MacArthur

Several years ago, I spent a fascinating afternoon talking with a brilliant, charming, gracious older gentleman who had twice served the United States as an ambassador. He related some of the challenges, intrigues, and joys of representing his country’s interests while living in a foreign land.

Two things struck me. First, he loved his homeland and worked hard to clearly represent the United States' beliefs and values to his host countries. Second, he strove to avoid causing offense while resisting the temptation to adopt the beliefs and values of the local cultures.

After explaining the message of reconciliation, Paul reminds the Corinthians, and us, of our ambassadorial roles and responsibilities. “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20)

As ambassadors we must remember that we live in a foreign country and should strive to represent our homeland well. But this is not home. We should never feel too comfortable in this distant land; we will never fit into the culture. All the while, we should be respectful and gracious as we represent the true beliefs and embody the eternal values of the King of kings.

Dan BolinPresidentRefueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

Wait for It

Nº 220

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - October 18, 2022

If the Lord Jehovah makes us wait, let us do so with our whole hearts; for blessed are all they that wait for Him. He is worth waiting for. The waiting itself is beneficial to us: it tries faith, exercises patience, trains submission, and endears the blessing when it comes. The Lord’s people have always been a waiting people. - Charles Spurgeon

I always take a book to the doctor’s office. Too many times I’ve waited and waited for a long-delayed appointment. One time, a doctor apologized and explained that another patient had experienced a very serious medical crisis and that he needed to stay with him until the poor man was stabilized and admitted to the hospital. That changed my perspective.

Waiting is a pain, but it becomes more tolerable when we realize our delay benefits someone else.

Our brothers and sisters in the Early Church greeted each other with the Aramaic saying, “Maranatha” – Come, O Lord. During their persecution, fears, and struggles, they longed for Jesus’ return, as we do today. They waited expectantly, hoping Jesus would come back soon and set things right.

Peter understood their frustration and explained the situation well to his readers, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promises, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

The “delay” we experience allows more people the opportunity to respond to Christ’s offer of forgiveness and establish a relationship with Him. So we wait patiently, knowing that at the proper time, Maranatha will become reality.

Dan BolinPresidentRefueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

Great Teammates

Nº 219

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - October 11, 2022

I'll lift you and you lift me, and we'll both ascend together. John Greenleaf Whittier

The United States is in full-blown football season (the American version of football). Players on opposing teams compete fiercely to control the ball, defend their end zone, and score points. Some players focus on offense while others are defensive specialists. When the offense takes the field, the sidelined defensive players adjust their strategy and cheer for the offense. When the defense takes the field, the offensive players redo their plans and encourage their teammates in the game.

We all need a little support – friends to cheer us on when we do well and provide encouragement when we get knocked down.

All Christians should fulfill two roles. First, we should do our best with our God-given responsibilities, helping the team as best we can. And second, we should encourage those who are in the game, exhausted and hurting, yet striving to execute their assignments.

Paul reminded the Thessalonians of a great teammate: “We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God’s fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith.” (I Thessalonians 3:2)

Timothy was both a wonderful worker and an endearing encourager. This week, play hard and encourage a teammate who needs your support.

Dan BolinPresidentRefueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

Pumpkin Provider

Nº 218

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - October 4, 2022

Fathers and mothers, do not forget that children learn more by the eye than they do by the ear… Imitation is a far stronger principle with children than memory. What they see has a much stronger effect on their minds than what they are told. - J.C.Ryle

Our oldest daughter Catie would have turned 41 today. Leukemia won a temporary victory 32 years ago, but we look forward to seeing her again.

On each of her 31 past birthdays, some wonderful friends have left a decorated pumpkin at Catie’s grave. But this year is different; the pumpkin placement has been handed off to the next generation. A daughter – and one of Catie’s childhood friends –has taken up the role of pumpkin provider.

This faithful and loving commemoration of Catie’s life provides an annual poultice for our hurting hearts. Not surprisingly, it also left an impression on their children.

Moses outlined this simple, yet challenging action plan: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children.” (Deuteronomy 6:5-7a)

The commandment is directed to us parents. Only after we put into practice the art of loving God and others will it take root in the next generation. What we tell our children is important, but what we faithfully exhibit time and again is what makes an impression on the hearts of our children.

Dan BolinPresidentRefueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

Your Own Story

Nº 217

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - September 27, 2022

I am not what I might be, I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I wish to be, I am not what I hope to be. But I thank God I am not what I once was, and I can say with the great apostle, “By the grace of God I am what I am." - John Newton

Paul and Peter were twin pillars in the early Church yet their pathways to spiritual maturity followed very different routes.

Paul mercilessly persecuted the Church and even participated in the murder of Stephen. Then his life abruptly changed direction. On the road to Damascus, God crashed into his life, and things were never the same. He spent time alone with God in the Arabian desert, interacted with many leaders of the young Church, and was mentored by Barnabas. His pivot-point was a dramatic moment of significant change.

Peter experienced a defining encounter with Jesus and became His follower. He talked too much, made brash statements, and struggled with pride. After Peter’s initial commitment to follow Christ, his developmental process took a long time. But little by little, God worked on Peter, smoothing off many rough edges.

Years later, Paul the former persecutor said, “Let all that you do be done in love.” (I Corinthians 16:14) After several decades of stumbling forward, proud Peter commanded, “Humble yourselves. . .under the mighty hand of God.” (I Peter 5:6a)

After an encounter with Christ, everyone’s pathway to spiritual maturity is different. Whatever course God has for you, patiently allow Him to transform your weaknesses into strengths.

Dan BolinPresidentRefueling in Flight Ministries, Inc