Dan Bolin's Blog, page 18

Smash the Snake

Nº 206

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - JuLY 12, 2022

Jesus taught that your highest priority must be your relationship with Him. If anything detracts you from that relationship, that activity is not from God. God will not ask you to do something that hinders your relationship with Christ. - Henry Blackaby

When Hezekiah became king of Judah, he initiated an amazing spiritual revival. God blessed him, and he is remembered as one of the greatest kings in the nation’s history.

Second Kings records one of his odd achievements. “He broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for until those days the people of Israel had made offerings to it.” (2 Kings 18:4) A relic that symbolized God’s love, protection, and healing had deteriorated into a pagan amulet. (You can read the story in Numbers 21:4-9.)

This amazing artifact that conveyed spiritual significance in earlier times had become a source of distraction and confusion. Counterproductively, worshipping the symbol provided a sense of security while the people returned to their rebellious behavior.

God wants our authentic worship and faithful obedience. Sometimes comfortable even noble practices from our past get in the way of God-honoring worship and obedience today. Going through the motions of worship without our hearts’ engagement or aligning our behavior without a sacrificial heart are dangerous pathways.

Live authentically and find the courage to destroy anything that keeps you from reflecting God’s justice and mercy to those who are dying from the snakebite of sin.

Dan BolinPresidentRefueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

Padlocks Only

Nº 205

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - JuLY 5, 2022

God’s unfailing love for us is an objective fact affirmed over and over in the Scriptures. It is true whether we believe it or not. Our doubts do not destroy God’s love, nor does our faith create it. It originates in the very nature of God, who is love, and it flows to us through our union with His beloved Son. - Jerry Bridges

A bridge over the Rhine River in Cologne, Germany is part of a worldwide phenomenon. Lovers, professing their undying commitment to each other, attach a lock to a bridge support and fling the key into the water below. The imagery is clear; nothing will unlock the bond of love they share.

As I gaped at the thousands and thousands of locks, my eye caught a few oddities. Some were not keyed locks; a few were the combination style. I guess those couples missed the ‘forever and ever’ part of the imagery!

God’s love for us is the padlock variety, not the combination kind. His love for us is more than a passing emotion or a short-term, conditional relationship. His love is deep, steadfast, and committed. He faithfully seeks the best for us despite our incessant wanderings.

The prophet Isaiah understood God’s unrelenting love for us and recorded God’s confession of affection. “For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you.” (Isaiah 54:10a)

God confirmed His steadfast love when He gave His only begotten Son to die in our place. No temporary combination lock will do. He offers a forever padlock relationship of love.

Dan BolinPresidentRefueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

Smashed to Sweetness

Nº 204

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - June 28, 2022

We want to avoid suffering, death, sin, ashes. But we live in a world crushed and broken and torn, a world God Himself visited to redeem. We receive his poured-out life, and being allowed the high privilege of suffering with Him, may then pour ourselves out for others. - Elisabeth Elliot

We selected several baskets of plump, red strawberries at our local farmers’ market. Driving home, the temptation was too great so we tasted a few. They were delicious!

After testing a few more for quality control purposes, I smashed them into mush! Those gorgeous, scrumptious, berries were reduced to a goopy pulp. Then Cay went to work and before long, a sweet aroma filled the house. By dinner time, our counter was lined with jars of luscious strawberry jam!

I can only imagine the berry’s pain and trauma as I mashed them time and time again. I’m sure they did not enjoy the process, but that was the only way to refine them into something sweeter and better.

Peter uses a similar picture as he introduces the theme of suffering. “These (sufferings) have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (I Peter 1:7)

The fires of testing will come, but God does not waste our pain. The refining process is never fun. Look beyond today’s suffering to the sweet results He is perfecting.

Dan BolinPresidentRefueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

Oberammergau

Nº 203

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - June 21, 2022

I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do. - Helen Keller

Every 10 years the small German town of Oberammergau honors a vow made in 1634 and hosts a magnificent passion play. Over 2,000 locals participate as actors, singers, musicians, and technicians.

As a boy I was intrigued by the history of Oberammergau. The Bubonic Plague swept through Europe in 1633-34. Legend claims a traveler brought the disease to the small mountain town and locals began to fall ill and die. The people bargained with God: if He would cure and protect them, they would host a passion play every 10 years. The story claims that no one else became ill, and those infected recovered. For almost 400 years, through good days and bad, the townspeople have honored their ancestor’s vow.

Unfortunately, the event was postponed from 2020 to 2022 due to our own pandemic. But last Sunday I crossed Oberammergau off my bucket list! It was incredible and inspiring.

The fidelity of Oberammergau is one we should all admire and take to heart. David begins Psalm 15 with the question, “Who may dwell in your sanctuary?" One of the answers given is, “...who keeps his oath, even when it hurts.” (Psalm 15:1a, 4b).

Like Oberammergau, let us faithfully fulfill our commitments, even when it hurts.

Dan BolinPresidentRefueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

Dad's Dilemma

Nº 202

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - June 14, 2022

Don’t try to get obedience without creating an atmosphere of gospel forgiveness. So many (parents) fail to teach a child early that Jesus has provided a way to get relief for their guilt after doing bad things — a way to be forgiven. - John Piper

Father’s Day (in the United States) is next Sunday. Phone calls, barbecues, and new ties will surely fill the day. Dads face a seemingly impossible challenge. The two-part command that Paul describes is daunting, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:4)

Training and teaching children the things of God in a way that does not exasperate them is a tall order. Do we err by avoiding exasperation and never get them focused on their Bible study? Or do we err by forcing them to participate in studies they disdain?

No easy answers, but no one said being a dad was easy. Try these four tests each time you question which way to proceed.

Is this about me looking good or them becoming better? Is this about them complying with my wishes or them conforming to God’s will? Is this the least dominant way I can make my point? Will this moment open the door for future conversations or make subsequent discussions more difficult?

Protect your relationships with your children; avoid exasperation. At the same time, prepare your children; train them to love, honor, and obey God.

Dan BolinPresidentRefueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

The Motorcade

Nº 200

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - May 31, 2022

We have been so immeasurably honored in mercy that not to prefer to honor as we have been honored is to betray that we have not tasted the treasure of our salvation. - John Piper

My rearview mirror showed the Washington, D.C. freeway filled with flashing lights closing in fast. Dutifully, I pulled to the shoulder. The passing lights and sirens accompanied a cluster of motorcycle police, which were closely followed by multiple police cars, several big black SUVs, and a trailing ambulance. The final wave included more police cars and motorcycles. The commotion raced past, and the traffic flow resumed.

A thundering motorcade generally signals the movement of either the president, the vice-president, or a visiting head of state – someone with more status than the rest of us plebeians.

Peter issued four staccato commands: “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” (I Peter 2:17) Oddly, the first command encompasses the last; honoring everyone includes honoring the ruler. Apparently, Peter realized that some challenges are more difficult and require special emphasis. Not everyone is easy to honor.

We may not always agree with those in authority; in fact, we will probably disagree sharply on some important issues. But we are never free to dishonor anyone, especially those who ride in motorcades. The two middle commands hold the key. When we love others and fear God, we will honor all – even those with whom we disagree.

Dan BolinPresidentRefueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

D-Day Recollection

Nº 201

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - June 7, 2022

“By the cross we know the gravity of sin and the greatness of God’s love toward us.” - John Chrysostom

The unlikely town of Bedford, Virginia is home to the National D-Day Memorial, 50 acres dedicated to those who fought and died in the Normandy invasion. The activities of June 6, 194 involved over 1.5 million Allied soldiers from 12 countries, including 11,000 aircraft, and 4,400 ships.

The sacrifices were staggering; on the first day 15,000 Allied soldiers were dead, wounded or missing. But 150,000 were on ashore and moving inland.

So why the beautiful but obscure town of Bedford to commemorate this historic event? Thirty-four young soldiers from Bedford participated in the Normandy invasion and sadly, 23 lost their lives.

Rightly, we honor those who give their all to secure other’s freedom. Noble feats of heroism and selfless acts of valor should be long remembered.

Just before his arrest, trials and crucifixion, Jesus told His disciples, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.” (John 15:13-14)

Jesus’ sacrificial death set people free, not from the tyranny of Nazi oppression but from the grip of sin and death. We commemorate His sacrifice, not with solemn displays and inspiring monuments, but with lives that keep His commandments.

Dan BolinPresidentRefueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

No Spectators Allowed

Nº 199

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - May 24, 2022

The Church is the Church only when it exists for others - not dominating, but helping and serving. It must tell men of every calling what it means to live for Christ, to exist for others. - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

An obscure National Hockey League rule requires the home team to provide an Emergency Replacement Goalie (ERG) for every game, just in case either team’s starting and back-up goalies are injured. In the rare event that either team needs a third goalie, the ERG suits up and enters the game.

Night after night they attend, enjoy a great seat, return home never breaking a sweat – and never truly expecting to play! But recently, neither of the Anaheim Ducks’ goalies were able to finish the game, so out of the stands came the ERG! An insurance salesman by day, the replacement goalie played admirably, stopping two shots and allowing only one power play goal.

Too often, like the ERG, we sit in the stands watching, but not expecting to play. We assume that the more skilled and experienced preachers, missionaries, and teachers will do the work while we cheer. But God’s design is for each of us to do our part. We must prepare and remain ready to share and serve when opportunities arise.

Peter reminds us, “Always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is within you.” (I Peter 3:15)

Dan Bolin

President

Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

Trust and Obey

Nº 198

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - May 17, 2022

God is God. Because he is God, He is worthy of my trust and obedience. I will find rest nowhere but in His holy will that is unspeakably beyond my largest notions of what he is up to. - Elisabeth Elliot

In C.S. Lewis’ book, The Silver Chair, Pole, a central character, received four instructions from Aslan, the Christ-figure. By following these directives, they would discover and liberate the lost prince of Narnia. Because of distractions, fear, and peer pressure, they failed to follow the first three commands. Yet their adventure was never thwarted. It just became more difficult and complicated.

The fourth and final command appeared dangerous and illogical. The trio was afraid and skeptical: “Oh, what are we to do?” bemoaned Pole.

After more rationalizing and debate, she sighed, “Oh if only we knew!’”

Puddleglum, another companion, reflected: “I think we do know. . . You see, Aslan didn’t tell Pole what would happen. He only told her what to do.’”

Spoiler alert - they obeyed the fourth command and their adventure concluded successfully!

Paul reminds us, “In all things, God works for the good of those who love him.” (Romans 8:28a) God’s love is greater than our disobedience. Our doubts and fears cannot overpower His sovereign plan. He loves us enough to give us what we need rather than what we want.

Overcome your doubts. Trust and obey. And remember, obedience travels the smoother pathway.

Dan BolinPresidentRefueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

Transforming More Than Water

Nº 197

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - May 10, 2022

Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God's grace. - Jerry Bridges

Jesus’ first miracle occurred at a wedding! Jesus, His mother, and His small band of disciples were among the invited guests. Everyone appeared to be having a good time until a rumor spread that the wine was running low.

The joyful celebration was threatened by what would be a significant faux pas in any culture. In a world of honor and shame, this social gaffe would have been recalled for generations. The small fishing village of Cana would provide no place to hide for the embarrassed host.

Mary enlisted Jesus’ help, and He obliged. Six 20-30-gallon water pots used for ceremonial washing were filled to the brim. Jesus transformed the water into wine – exquisite wine. As the glasses were filled once more, the people were amazed and delighted. The buzz at the feast reversed course: “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine. . . but you have saved the best for now.” (John 2: 10)

Jesus’ first miracle turned water into wine, but he accomplished much more than that. Because of Jesus’ gracious act, the host – who deserved unending shame – experienced abundant joy. Turning failure and shame into bountiful joy is a miracle He still performs today.

Dan BolinPresidentRefueling in Flight Ministries, Inc