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The Root of the Issue

Nº 196 weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - May 3, 2022

Unless we form the habit of going to the Bible in bright moments as well as in trouble, we cannot fully respond to its consolations because we lack equilibrium between light and darkness. - Helen Keller

Years ago, a storm ripped through East Texas. The next morning several large limbs cluttered my yard along with one medium-sized uprooted elm tree. The limbs made a great burn pile, and my chainsaw and I recycled the elm tree into firewood.

It wasn’t hard to notice the elm’s small, shallow root system, just a few stubby nodes and nothing that resembled a taproot. The elm lacked the strength and stability needed to withstand the powerful wind.

Psalm 1 provides a graphic picture of spiritual stability: “He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.” (Psalm 1:3) Verse four talks about winds that blow through our lives. Healthy trees, those with good root systems, bend in the wind but don’t break.

How does a root system grow? The previous verse holds the key. “But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.” (Psalm 1:2)

Feed your spiritual root system; delight and meditate on God’s Word throughout your day. Gain the spiritual strength and stability that will prepare you for the next storm that will surely blow into your life.

Dan BolinPresidentRefueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

New Direction

Nº 195

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - April 26, 2022

True repentance is no light matter. It is a thorough change of heart about sin, a change showing itself in godly sorrow and humiliation - in heartfelt confession before the throne of grace - in a complete breaking off from sinful habits, and an abiding hatred of all sin. Such repentance is the inseparable companion of saving faith in Christ. - J.C. Ryle

Early in his gospel, Matthew connects two powerful and fascinating stories. He states, “Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.’” And then two verses later he recounts, “As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men.’” (Matthew 4:17b, 19)

Why did Jesus change his message? Why didn’t he call Peter and Andrew to repent? Was Jesus being inconsistent or playing favorites? Never! Maybe the call of verse 19 simply restates the command of verse 17.

Repenting essentially means turning and going a different direction, abandoning one destination and pursuing another. When repentance focuses on what we turn from, we miss the point. Primarily, repentance is about Who we are turning to and Who we commit to follow. Repentance is ultimately about our response to the offer, "Come, follow me".

God wants us to repent – to turn away from anything, good or bad, that supplants Him as the central and dominant force in our lives. Following the King of Kings will always lead us in a new and better direction.

Dan Bolin

President

Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

the stone is rolled away - day 10 of 10

DAY 10 of 10 - APRIL 19, 2022 Special Devotion Written by Dr. Dan Bolin - Taking a Deeper Look into the Wonder of Easter

“The Resurrection completes the inauguration of God’s kingdom. . . . It is the decisive event demonstrating that God’s kingdom really has been launched on earth as it is in heaven. The message of Easter is that God’s new world has been unveiled in Jesus Christ and that you’re now invited to belong to it.” – N.T. Wright

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Following the Easter events, Jesus’ announced His final assignment: “Go and make disciples.” (Matthew 28:19a) This command is our Great Commission. Our assignment is to share the wonderful news of Easter with others, inviting people to accept the love and life God provides through the death and resurrection of His Son, and to explain the truth of Scripture to those who believe. Sometime earlier Jesus had been asked to identify the greatest commandment. He responded, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39) The Greatest Commandment and the Great Commission are twin pillars of Christianity, but there is a reason that the Greatest Commandment comes before the Great Commission. Our work to reach the world must flow from a heart of love. Easter demonstrates the priority of love as the source of authentic actions. “For God so loved the world – that he gave. . . “ . (John 3:16) As we move past Easter, let’s recommit to the Greatest Commandment, loving God and others, and then reengage to fulfill the Great Commission.

Dan BolinPresidentRefueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

the stone is rolled away - day 9 of 10

DAY 9 of 10 - APRIL 18, 2022 Special Devotion Written by Dr. Dan Bolin - Taking a Deeper Look into the Wonder of Easter

The story of Easter is the story of second chances. History matters. Our mistakes, disobedience, selfishness, and outright rebellion can not be overlooked, but they can be forgiven. The punishment for our misbehavior was absorbed by Jesus on the cross. The debt we owed was paid in full through Jesus’ death. Jesus’ final word from the cross was tetelestai. The English translation is usually, “It is finished”. The word was commonly used in accounting when a debt was paid in full. No additional payment was required. The penalty for my sin, your sin, all of our sin was paid in full. The Apostle John, who witnessed the crucifixion, tells us, ,He (Jesus) is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for our sins, but also for the sins of the whole world.” (I John 2:2) That included the sin of Peter who had lied to strangers three times about even knowing Jesus. A few weeks after the events of Easter, Peter announced, ,“I’m going fishing” (John 21:3) and the other Disciples went with him. Peter, Andrew, James, and John had all been professional fishermen, the others must have tagged along. They were heading back to the familiar, the comfortable, the secure place that had been home until Jesus came along. After fishing all night and catching nothing, a solitary figure in the shoreline called out to them, the rough translation, “catch anything?” “No” they muttered. The figure came back to them, ,“Throw your nets on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” (John 21:6). Suddenly the nets began to swell with fish, lots of big ones! As I imagine the story, Andrew said, “Wow, we haven’t caught so many fish since that day we met Jesus!” (Luke 5:1-11) Three years earlier, after fishing all night and catching nothing, Jesus, the carpenter, had instructed the four professional fishermen on when, where, and how to fish. Deferring to Jesus’ command, they had caught so many fish their boats began to sink! That was the start of their great adventure with Jesus. He had called them with the simple offer, ,“Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” (Luke 5:10) Instantly, the memories flooded back. In stunned disbelief, Peter, James, and John froze, looked at each other, and then turned toward the man on the shore. John exclaimed, “It is the Lord”, and Peter jumped overboard and swam to Jesus. After breakfast, Peter and Jesus had a second-chance conversation. Three times Jesus asked, ,“Peter, do you love me?” And three times Peter struggled to affirm his affection for the man he had denied even knowing during Jesus’ trial. After each awkward exchange, Jesus opens the door for Peter’s future ministry. Three times he gives Peter a similar assignment. ,“Feed my lambs.” “Take care of my sheep.” “Feed my sheep.” (John 21:15-17). Earlier Jesus had commissioned Peter to be a fisher of men. Now Jesus calls Peter to feed and care for His sheep.A few hours earlier, Peter, consumed with his failure and denial of Jesus, was ready to return to his old life as a fisherman. But Jesus, through the events of Easter, had made provision for second chances, and he offered one to Peter.

Peter’s role had expanded. Not only was he to bring people to Jesus. He was to care for them after they became part of God’s family. He was to be a fisher of men and a shepherd of sheep. Before their conversation ended, Jesus reminded Peter of the foundation for feeding and caring for the sheep. He repeats his original command to Peter, “Follow me.” Though we may stop following Jesus, he never stops following us. He pursues us and offers undeserved second chances that are available because of what he accomplished on Easter.

Dan BolinPresidentRefueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

the stone is rolled away - day 8 of 10

DAY 8 of 10 - APRIL 17, 2022 Special Devotion Written by Dr. Dan Bolin - Taking a Deeper Look into the Wonder of Easter

As the light of dawn sliced across the eastern horizon, Mary Magdalen made her way to Jesus’ garden-tomb. Brokenhearted, grieving, traumatized by the events of the past few days she wanted to be near Jesus. What she saw turned her stomach. What had been a miserable morning became unbelievably worse. The stone that guarded the entrance to the tomb had been rolled away. Peter and John were summoned, and they raced to the scene. They found the tomb empty and Jesus’ grave clothes lying undisturbed.But they did not see Jesus. Once the men headed home, Mary stood alone with her painful and troubled heart. As she wept lonely tears she peered into the open tomb. To her amazement, two angels in dazzling white robes sat where Jesus’ body had rested. Seeing Mary they asked her, “Why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” (John 20:13) In her bewildered state, she backed out of the entrance and encountered a stranger. The tears in her eyes prevented her from recognizing Jesus. Her anguished tears blurred her vision. The pain she experienced kept her from seeing Jesus, even though he stood right in front of her. From Mary’s perspective, she was stumbling through the worst day of her life. From Jesus perspective, this was a day of victory and celebration. Mary’s tear-filled eyes could not see the reality of who and what stood right before her. It is hard to see Jesus through our tear-filled eyes. Like Mary, in moments of pain, anxiety, and abandonment, we miss the reality that Jesus is right there with us; willing to stand with us and provide the care we need in the midst of our pain. The ache of that transformational morning would soon spin into a wild celebration. The most astounding plot twist to conclude any story could not compare. The greatest come from behind victory ever imagined would seem inconsequential. Jesus, whom she had seen die, was standing before her, very much alive. Tears of distress instantly morphed into tears of delight. Their exuberant encounter ended abruptly as Jesus gave Mary two directives. “Do not hold on to me.” And, “go instead to my brothers.” As much as that moment was a time for joy, it was also a time for action. Jesus is not only the one who wipes away our tears, he is the one who calls us to tell others the good news, “He is alive!” That is the story of Easter; God, doing what only he could do, to reconcile the world to himself. Because of Easter He continues to wipe away our tears, allowing us to see him and the world through clear eyes, and commissioning us to tell others the great news: Jesus died and was buried. That he rose again and was seen by many witnesses. Tears come and go, at times blurring our vision of God and the world. But some day, He will wipe away all our tears. The pain will be gone, and we will see him as never before. The Apostle John records the words of a song that is sung in heaven because of Easter. Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. (Revelation 7:16-17) Enjoy Easter. Allow God to wipe away your tears. Remember, He is always near. Enjoy this day of victory. And go, tell others the great news.

Dan BolinPresidentRefueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

the stone is rolled away - day 7 of 10

DAY 7 of 10 - APRIL 16, 2022 Special Devotion Written by Dr. Dan Bolin - Taking a Deeper Look into the Wonder of Easter

The dark, cold, silence of despair engulfed the Disciples. Their hopes had been dashed. Their greatest fears realized. Their worst nightmare had come true. The jubilant, mountaintop, celebration of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem less than a week before had plummeted into the unending pit of hopelessness. The hours between Good Friday and Easter Sunday were not spent waiting – waiting assumes something is coming next. The Disciples had no next! The hopes and dreams they had lived for the past three years were gone. They had no plan B. No exit strategy. Nowhere to turn. No hope for tomorrow. Silence was all they had. Stunning silence. Excruciating silence. Deafening silence. Fortunately, silence does not equal nothing. Abraham, a great man of faith lived 175 years and the Bible records only a handful of interactions between him and God. But God used Abraham’s faithful obedience during the years of silence to establish a people through whom all the people of the earth would be blessed (Genesis 12:3b) The Children of Israel suffered in bondage in Egypt for 400 years. God did not immediately respond to their cries for help but eventually he intervened and sent Moses to be their deliverer. During that time a small clan of a few dozen people was multiplying to become a nation with a million members. Eli served God while his family and his nation drifted away from the Lord. Communication from God to his people was rare during those years. But God used that time to develop Samuel (I Samuel 3:1). He became the great leader God wanted to shepherd his people during a critical, transitional time in their development. Hundreds of years transpired between Malachi, the final writing prophet, and the coming of Jesus. But during that time, God was aligning major events to prepare the perfect context for his Son’s entry into the world. Paul prayed three times for God to remove his thorn in the flesh. His only answer was, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9) During the Disciples' hours of deep disappointment, hopelessness, and despair - silence did not equal nothing. God was at work confounding the power of sin and defeating the stratagems of Satan. What looks like nothing was something – something mysterious and marvelous – something that would change the course of history and eternity. Something that would change the lives of the disciples and transform the world. Despite our inability to see the activity, God is always working. Silence does not indicate that He is disinterested, has abandoned us, or lacks the power or love to help us. We must learn to walk by faith, not by sight. The quiet day between Good Friday and Easter was the darkest night the disciples had ever experienced. But God was at work. That bleak setting became the backdrop for the world’s greatest Sonrise.

Dan BolinPresidentRefueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

the stone is rolled away - day 6 of 10

DAY 6 of 10 - APRIL 15, 2022 Special Devotion Written by Dr. Dan Bolin - Taking a Deeper Look into the Wonder of Easter

The snapshot of Mount Calvary captures the grand drama of history. Suspended between heaven and earth, flanked by two dying criminals, the Son of God bore the punishment for our sins. His agonizing death captured the climactic and inscrutable focal point of all time. In that moment we realize the most glorious and most hideous aspects of our world – and ourselves. Thirty-three years before, a heavenly host of angels had announced the joyous birth of Jesus. He came into this world, fully God and fully man. He became the only bridge between humanity and the divine; the one Way for mankind to be reconciled to God. His dying body became the connection point between God above and the human race below. Now, another huge band of angels stood at the ready, awaiting the command from God the Father to commence the rescue mission to save His one and only Son. Jesus was beaten, mocked, spat upon, humiliated by the very people he had come to save. And now, he was hanging precariously on a Roman cross, uttering a few last words, and breathing his final breaths. The slightest nod from the Father and the army of angles would swoop down, overwhelm the pitiful solders, crush the religious leaders, terrify the fickle crowd, and save Jesus. Yet the command never came. God the Father loved us enough to allow his Son to die in our place. Suspended with his head toward heaven and his feet toward earth, his arms were stretched toward two dying criminals. Justly condemned, they deserved their wretched demise. One mocked Jesus. The other begged for mercy. Luke records the agonizing conversation between the three dying men. Within that theologically and emotionally intense dialogue lies the continuing drama of the human race. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him. “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God?, he said, “since you are under the same sentence?” We are punished justly for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke23:39) Both criminals deserved their punishment, Jesus did not. Both criminals needed a savior, and One was available. One rejected the opportunity and responded with disdain to the very end. The other recognized his unworthiness and cried out for mercy. Jesus responded in love to the one who asked for help. So much theology – so little time! There between heaven and earth – between God and mankind – Jesus hung with a condemned criminal on either side. Those two guilty, dying, helpless criminals are us; they represent everyone who has ever walked this earth. Astonishingly, on that cross, Jesus, this man who has done no wrong took our sin, paid the price, died in our place, and offers us the hope of someday being with him in paradise. And that is the glory of Easter.

Dan BolinPresidentRefueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

the stone is rolled away - day 5 of 10

DAY 5 of 10 - APRIL 14, 2022 Special Devotion Written by Dr. Dan Bolin - Taking a Deeper Look into the Wonder of Easter

As his crucifixion drew closer, Jesus focused more and more on what mattered most; his attention became riveted on leaving his disciples two critical anchors for their future ministries: love and servanthood. As Jesus and his Disciples ate their final meal together, Jesus knew that if those closest to him could absorb and express the powerful realities of love and servanthood, their impact would echo for millennia. When no servant appeared to clean their feet, and no disciple offered to perform this disgusting task, Jesus took a towel and a basin of water and washed the Disciples’ feet. I imagine a hush settling over the small group. One by one they shamefacedly felt Jesus’ hands grip their filthy, revolting, smelly feet; the water poured over them, and then Jesus’ towel wiped them clean and dry. Later that evening, Jesus addressed the group and provided what some today might refer to as their brand strategy – the powerful mark that would easily identify those who followed Christ. Jesus said, A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:34-35). Jesus proclaimed love as the distinguishing mark for believers throughout he ages. The twin messages of servanthood and love echoed throughout the room but not all of the Disciples were on board. Judas’ life looked like all the others, but there was no room in his heart for servanthood or love because his soul was filled with selfishness and betrayal. How could the others miss it? How could he blend into the fabric of the Twelve without being suspected? When Jesus announced that one of them would betray him, no one turned to Judas and said, “I knew it was him!”. He was just one of the gang. Ultimately, the answer lay in his heart’s relationship with Jesus. Throughout the evening at least six disciples spoke personally with Jesus: Peter (numerous times), John, Thomas, Phillip, Judas (not Iscariot), and Judas Iscariot. Without exception the first five addressed Jesus as ‘Lord’, a term indicating His supreme authority in their lives. Judas, however, used the word ‘rabbi’ in his conversation with Jesus. This word roughly equates to ‘instructor’ or ‘teacher’. The word ‘rabbi’ focused on the leader’s knowledge and wisdom, but not his authority. It gave a nod to the teacher’s mastery of his subject, more than mastery of his student. Judas was willing to study the content of Jesus’s teaching, but not submit to Jesus’ authority. Jesus addressed the heart of the matter around the table that evening. He told the group. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you . . . Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. (John 13:13-17) Submitting to Jesus as teacher and Lord is our challenge. We can study servanthood and dissect love; but academic awareness is never the goal. We must avoid the mistake of Judas; what we know about Jesus must lead to submission to Jesus. Through the events of Good Friday and Easter, Jesus perfectly demonstrated servanthood and love. He left us a marvelous example to follow. Our goal is to know him and follow his example, showing servanthood and love to others. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Dan BolinPresidentRefueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

the stone is rolled away - day 4 of 10

DAY 4 of 10 - APRIL 13, 2022 Special Devotion Written by Dr. Dan Bolin - Taking a Deeper Look into the Wonder of Easter

The days leading up to Easter were filled with conflict. As Jesus courageously made himself accessible to his advisories, a group of Pharisees and Herodians tried to force him into a corner with a question that presented no safe response. Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay or shouldn’t we? (Mark 12:14b-15a). If he said ‘yes’, he would be branded as a Roman sympathizer, earning the ire of the Jewish patriots. If he said ‘no’, he would be labeled a criminal, incurring the wrath of the Roman government. Jesus saw through their trickery and quickly turned the tables on his smug opponents. Mark records the encounter, But Jesus knew their hypocrisy, “Why are you trying to trap me?” he asked. Bring me a denarius and let me look at it. They brought the coin and he asked them, “Whose portrait is this and whose inscription?” “Caesar’s” they replied. Then give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s!” (Mark 12:15b-17) The coin that Jesus examined had on one side, the image of the Emperor, Tiberius. The other side bore the inscription: Tiberius Caesar Augustus – son of the divine Augustus. The coins were issued by Caesar and used by his subjects to pay the taxes he required. The coin was obviously a part of the world system controlled by those with military, political, and economic power. But Jesus’ Kingdom was not of this world. His concern focused on eternity rather than economics. Jesus came to give life, not receive taxes. His interest was people’s souls and spirits more than their wealth and wallets. The Pharisees and Herodians understood the power of money. Jesus taught the power of God. Jesus delivered the winning salvo with the simple conclusion, “Then give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s!” (Mark 12:17) Moving the conversation much deeper, he reminded his attackers, and the crowd, of the opening verses of Genesis. The record of the mysterious deliberation within the Godhead states. “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness. . .” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:26-27). Caesar, Emperor of the Mediterranean world, demonstrated his authority and power with the stamp he placed upon the coins he minted and valued. Jesus, King of Kings and Ruler of the Universe, demonstrated his love and power by imprinting his image on the people he created and valued. Caesar minted money that carried his likeness. Jesus created men and women marked with his likeness. A few coins remain for the days of Caesar. Every person will live for eternity. Caesar loved what bore his likeness; he adored his coins – and so did the Pharisees and Herodians. Jesus loved what bore his likeness. Even now, he adores his children. In a few days, His love would demonstrate the full measure of devotion. Jesus willingly endured the agony of Good Friday so that those he loves could more accurately display his image and enjoy the benefits of Easter forever.

Dan BolinPresidentRefueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

the stone is rolled away - day 3 of 10

APRIL 12, 2022 Special Devotion Written by Dr. Dan Bolin - Taking a Deeper Look into the Wonder of Easter

Jesus did not die on the cross just so we could live comfortable, well-adjusted lives. His purpose is far deeper: He wants to make us like himself before he takes us to heaven. This is our greatest privilege, our immediate responsibility and our ultimate destiny. - Rick Warren

Jesus predicted utter devastation for Jerusalem – not one stone would be left standing. The disciples were troubled and privately asked Jesus two questions: “When will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3b) As to when, Jesus explained that only God the Father knew the answer. His response to the second question painted a bleak picture of disastrous days to come. Jesus’ primary concern was how His disciples would live until He returned. To emphasize this point, Jesus told three powerful stories. The first concerned 10 people waiting for a wedding; five were attentive but five lost interest. The second described a master leaving his fortune in the hands of three servants and their productive or indolent responses. The third commended or condemned people for their gracious or selfish treatment of others. (Matthew 25) In response to the disciples’ end-time questions, Jesus emphasized our need to live attentively, productively, and graciously – today. This Easter week, take time to prayerfully examine your life by asking these questions: What is the focus of my attention? How am I using the gifts entrusted to me? What am I doing to help those in need?

Dan BolinPresidentRefueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

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