Dan Bolin's Blog, page 20

the stone is rolled away - day 2 of 10

APRIL 11, 2022 Special Devotion Written by Dr. Dan Bolin - Taking a Deeper Look into the Wonder of Easter

While riding into Jerusalem, watching the palm branches wave, hearing the roar of Hosanna, and feeling the excitement in the air, Jesus must have experienced an amazing array of emotions. His moment of joy would soon pivot into intense pain, deep sorrow, and utter abandonment. Anticipating the agony that awaited, Jesus approached Jerusalem with a broken heart. Luke tells us that as Jesus approached Jerusalem, he began to weep. He foresaw the destruction that awaited Jerusalem due to their blindness and their rejection of the Prince of Peace. As Jesus surveyed the city, he wept over the physical and spiritual trauma on the horizon. . . They will not leave one stone on another because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you (Luke 19:41, 44b). But Jesus’ broken heart was also an angry heart. Once inside the city, he observed the mockery and defilement of the temple area. Mark records, Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the temple. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve. (Mark 11:11). Jesus’ anger was not like our impulsive, irrational, and self-centered anger. The anger that Jesus displayed was strategic, thoughtful, and flowed not from concern for himself, rather to defend the glory of his Father and provide a learning experience for others. The setting was a bizarre bazar. Merchants, abusing the sacrificial system for their personal financial gain, had turned the temple area into an illicit animal market. They found fault with the pilgrim’s heartfelt offerings, and required them to purchase new, ‘certified’ animals that met their fraudulent requirements. The scammers demonstrated no concern for people’s contrite hearts, nor did they show any respect for the merciful, forgiving, and almighty God. They manipulated God’s compassionate plan for contrarious hearts to receive forgiveness to line their pockets. This disregard and disrespect for God and his merciful heart should have made everyone angry. Many were irritated by the injustice that abused those who were swindled, but Jesus was also incensed by the disrespect for his Father.Jesus was not happy, but he did not react impulsively, he slept on his concern, since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve. The next morning, he appropriately expressed his noble outrage. On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the table of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. (Mark 11:15-16). The passage continues, And as he taught them, he said, Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers. (Mark 11:17). Jesus’ objective was not to vent his wrath; his angry heart remained the heart of a teacher. His actions created a teachable moment and he used it to remind the throng of his Father’s desire to welcome all people into a relationship with Him. Any obstacle to that communion would lead to a strategic, thoughtful and angry response. Jesus’ heart was broken and angry and it was also a courageous heart. Instead of remaining outside of the city, or in seclusion within the walls of Jerusalem, Jesus directly engaged those who opposed him. They arrived again in Jerusalem, and while Jesus was walking in the temple courts, the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders came to him. By what authority are you doing these things? they asked. And who gave you authority to do these things? (Mark 27-28). Jesus knew the events that would unfold in the next few days, but he courageously confronted the religious leaders who wanted to kill him. He confounded their condescending critiques and demolished their calculated questions. They took their turns, the Pharisees and Herodians questioned him first, the Sadducees followed, and then a teacher of the law. One by one, like a Jujitsu master, he used the force of their arguments against them. As the conversations ended, Mark records the humiliating reality, And from then on no one dared ask him anymore questions (Mark 12:34b). This Easter, we must ask ourselves:

Does our heart break for the things that broke Jesus’ heart? Do we respond with a heart of righteous anger at the events that stirred anger in Jesus’ heart? And are we willing to demonstrate a courageous heart when fears and anxiety deep inside tell us to run and hide?

Jesus' broken heart, angry heart, and courageous heart would cease to beat in a few days. But to the end, he modeled for us the qualities we need with all his heart.

Dan BolinPresidentRefueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

the stone is rolled away - Day 2 of 10

APRIL 11, 2022 Special Devotion Written by Dr. Dan Bolin - Taking a Deeper Look into the Wonder of Easter

While riding into Jerusalem, watching the palm branches wave, hearing the roar of Hosanna, and feeling the excitement in the air, Jesus must have experienced an amazing array of emotions. His moment of joy would soon pivot into intense pain, deep sorrow, and utter abandonment. Anticipating the agony that awaited, Jesus approached Jerusalem with a broken heart. Luke tells us that as Jesus approached Jerusalem, he began to weep. He foresaw the destruction that awaited Jerusalem due to their blindness and their rejection of the Prince of Peace. As Jesus surveyed the city, he wept over the physical and spiritual trauma on the horizon. . . They will not leave one stone on another because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you (Luke 19:41, 44b). But Jesus’ broken heart was also an angry heart. Once inside the city, he observed the mockery and defilement of the temple area. Mark records, Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the temple. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve. (Mark 11:11). Jesus’ anger was not like our impulsive, irrational, and self-centered anger. The anger that Jesus displayed was strategic, thoughtful, and flowed not from concern for himself, rather to defend the glory of his Father and provide a learning experience for others. The setting was a bizarre bazar. Merchants, abusing the sacrificial system for their personal financial gain, had turned the temple area into an illicit animal market. They found fault with the pilgrim’s heartfelt offerings, and required them to purchase new, ‘certified’ animals that met their fraudulent requirements. The scammers demonstrated no concern for people’s contrite hearts, nor did they show any respect for the merciful, forgiving, and almighty God. They manipulated God’s compassionate plan for contrarious hearts to receive forgiveness to line their pockets. This disregard and disrespect for God and his merciful heart should have made everyone angry. Many were irritated by the injustice that abused those who were swindled, but Jesus was also incensed by the disrespect for his Father.Jesus was not happy, but he did not react impulsively, he slept on his concern, since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve. The next morning, he appropriately expressed his noble outrage. On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the table of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. (Mark 11:15-16). The passage continues, And as he taught them, he said, Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers. (Mark 11:17). Jesus’ objective was not to vent his wrath; his angry heart remained the heart of a teacher. His actions created a teachable moment and he used it to remind the throng of his Father’s desire to welcome all people into a relationship with Him. Any obstacle to that communion would lead to a strategic, thoughtful and angry response. Jesus’ heart was broken and angry and it was also a courageous heart. Instead of remaining outside of the city, or in seclusion within the walls of Jerusalem, Jesus directly engaged those who opposed him. They arrived again in Jerusalem, and while Jesus was walking in the temple courts, the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders came to him. By what authority are you doing these things? they asked. And who gave you authority to do these things? (Mark 27-28). Jesus knew the events that would unfold in the next few days, but he courageously confronted the religious leaders who wanted to kill him. He confounded their condescending critiques and demolished their calculated questions. They took their turns, the Pharisees and Herodians questioned him first, the Sadducees followed, and then a teacher of the law. One by one, like a Jujitsu master, he used the force of their arguments against them. As the conversations ended, Mark records the humiliating reality, And from then on no one dared ask him anymore questions (Mark 12:34b). This Easter, we must ask ourselves:

Does our heart break for the things that broke Jesus’ heart? Do we respond with a heart of righteous anger at the events that stirred anger in Jesus’ heart? And are we willing to demonstrate a courageous heart when fears and anxiety deep inside tell us to run and hide?

Jesus' broken heart, angry heart, and courageous heart would cease to beat in a few days. But to the end, he modeled for us the qualities we need with all his heart.

Dan BolinPresidentRefueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

the stone is rolled away - day 1 of 10

DAY 1 of 10 - APRIL 10, 2022

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

Excitement crackled throughout the city as pilgrims filled Jerusalem’s inns, crowded its shops, and clogged its roadways. Mainly, conversations swirled around the remarkable young prophet, Jesus. Rumors abounded that he was on his way and would soon join the festival. Was he the Messiah? Would he establish a new kingdom? Would he overthrow the Romans? Was he a fraud? Was he a charlatan? Was he a madman? Waiting outside the city, Jesus sent two of his disciples into Jerusalem to procure a donkey that he would use to enter the bedlam. “The Master needs to borrow your donkey” was all they needed to say, and the beast was provided. Into Jerusalem rode Jesus. The crowds cheered Hosanna! Palm branches danced along the roadway. Coats carpeted the pathway for the donkey to honor its regal yet humble passenger. The moment was breathtaking, the excitement palpable. That magical moment looked back to another astounding entry and forward to a festival that still awaits. A thousand years before Jesus made his triumphal entry, King David led an exuberant procession that returned the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem! Singing, dancing, offerings, and praise fill the streets of Jerusalem. One element of the celebration was a new song that David composed and introduced at this enthusiastic gathering. The song is rich with praise to God and remembrances of God’s glory. One line of the song’s lyrics is of special significance. ,Cry out, “Save us, O God our savior.” (I Chronicles 16:35a). The word used here for 'save us' is hosanna. As David entered the city, the people shouted Hosanna, and the scene replayed itself a millennium later as Jesus rode a donkey into the chaotic throngs of Jerusalem. The excitement of God’s symbolic presence entering Jerusalem in the days of David, prefigured Jesus’ glorious promenade. The same refrain that welcomes David and the ark welcomed Jesus one thousand years later. But neither the joy accompanying the ark’s return to Jerusalem, or the celebration surrounding Jesus’ triumphal entry, will match the party that awaits. Someday, no telling how long from now, there will be an even wilder celebration. In Revelation 7, the Apostle John describes a scene where, a multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice, Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb. (Revelation 7:9-10). Once more the joyful palm branches will wave. But this time, salvation is not the hope, rather it is the reality of those who celebrate. Their robes are not thrown before Jesus, they are pure white and worn by those who have benefited from the tragic and victorious events of the Easter week. That Palm Sunday, long ago, provided Jesus his entry into Jerusalem and into the events that would change the course of history and eternity. And Palm Sunday today, provides us the opportunity to cry hosanna and know that he will!

Dan BolinPresidentRefueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

the stone is rolled away

DAY 1 of 10 - APRIL 10, 2022

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

Excitement crackled throughout the city as pilgrims filled Jerusalem’s inns, crowded its shops, and clogged its roadways. Mainly, conversations swirled around the remarkable young prophet, Jesus. Rumors abounded that he was on his way and would soon join the festival. Was he the Messiah? Would he establish a new kingdom? Would he overthrow the Romans? Was he a fraud? Was he a charlatan? Was he a madman? Waiting outside the city, Jesus sent two of his disciples into Jerusalem to procure a donkey that he would use to enter the bedlam. “The Master needs to borrow your donkey” was all they needed to say, and the beast was provided. Into Jerusalem rode Jesus. The crowds cheered Hosanna! Palm branches danced along the roadway. Coats carpeted the pathway for the donkey to honor its regal yet humble passenger. The moment was breathtaking, the excitement palpable. That magical moment looked back to another astounding entry and forward to a festival that still awaits. A thousand years before Jesus made his triumphal entry, King David led an exuberant procession that returned the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem! Singing, dancing, offerings, and praise fill the streets of Jerusalem. One element of the celebration was a new song that David composed and introduced at this enthusiastic gathering. The song is rich with praise to God and remembrances of God’s glory. One line of the song’s lyrics is of special significance. ,Cry out, “Save us, O God our savior.” (I Chronicles 16:35a). The word used here for 'save us' is hosanna. As David entered the city, the people shouted Hosanna, and the scene replayed itself a millennium later as Jesus rode a donkey into the chaotic throngs of Jerusalem. The excitement of God’s symbolic presence entering Jerusalem in the days of David, prefigured Jesus’ glorious promenade. The same refrain that welcomes David and the ark welcomed Jesus one thousand years later. But neither the joy accompanying the ark’s return to Jerusalem, or the celebration surrounding Jesus’ triumphal entry, will match the party that awaits. Someday, no telling how long from now, there will be an even wilder celebration. In Revelation 7, the Apostle John describes a scene where, a multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice, Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb. (Revelation 7:9-10). Once more the joyful palm branches will wave. But this time, salvation is not the hope, rather it is the reality of those who celebrate. Their robes are not thrown before Jesus, they are pure white and worn by those who have benefited from the tragic and victorious events of the Easter week. That Palm Sunday, long ago, provided Jesus his entry into Jerusalem and into the events that would change the course of history and eternity. And Palm Sunday today, provides us the opportunity to cry hosanna and know that he will!

Dan BolinPresidentRefueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

Essential Easter

Nº 192 weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - April 5, 2022

How we need to have our hearts broken again by our sin that put Jesus on the cross. How we need to have our confidence grounded by what Jesus accomplished on the cross. And how we need to have our hope anchored in the promise of resurrection. May Jesus draw you and keep you hear his cross. - Nancy Guthrie

A TV interviewer mused to Ringo Starr about young and old people everywhere loving the Beatles’ music. Ringo responded immediately, “Do you know why that is?” “No,” replied the host. “Because it’s GREAT MUSIC!,” Ringo shouted. And the audience roared. The attraction was not the album covers, haircuts or lifestyles of the musicians. The draw was the music. As we approach Easter, let’s remember: it’s not the packaging that makes Easter great, it is the MESSAGE! Paul clarified for the Corinthians the essence of the Easter message, the core statement that connects with young and old everywhere. “That Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scripture, and that he appeared to Cephas and the twelve.”(I Corinthians 15:3-5) Not new dresses or hats, not candy or festive meals, not even our good works, correct eschatology, or generous sacrifices are essential. The Easter message alone matters most. Christ died; the proof is He was buried. Christ arose; the proof is He was seen by many witnesses. This Easter, refocus on the GREAT MESSAGE, and recommit to the One who died and rose again.

Dan BolinPresidentRefueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

Join me for a special 10-day Easter devotional April 10-19. You will receive this special devotion beginning Palm Sunday and ending the Tuesday after Easter. Sign up now to receive all 10 days.If you receive this by email (unless you opt-in) you will only receive the editions that fall within the normal Tuesday emails.

Worship Well

Nº 191 weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - March 29, 2022

Worship is the submission of all our nature to God. It is the quickening of conscience by His holiness, the nourishment of the mind with His truth, the purifying of the imagination of His beauty, the opening of the heart to His love, the surrender of the will to His purpose. - William Temple

3,000 years ago, Jeroboam led a revolt against Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, splitting the Jewish nation. Only the tribes of Judah and Benjamin remained loyal in the South; the other ten tribes created the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Fearing that his people’s frequent religious pilgrimages back to Jerusalem, in the south, would undermine his power, Jeroboam created alternate holy sites and fraudulent forms of worship. The writer of Kings records, “Anyone who wanted to become a priest he consecrated for the high places. This was the sin of the house of Jeroboam.” (I Kings 13:33b-34a) God designed us to worship Him, but too often we settle for inauthentic, convenient, or comfortable alternatives that serve our purposes. Worship is more than a few songs and prayers on Sunday morning, it is our total response to the majesty of God and involves our obedience, service, adoration, time, and money, along with our songs and prayers. As we approach Easter, let’s focus on the only One worthy of our worship and anticipate the day we will join the angels and sing: Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor, and glory and praise (Revelation 5:12).

Dan BolinPresidentRefueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

Untangled

Nº 190 weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - March 22, 2022

There are two freedoms - the false, where a man is free to do what he likes; the true, where he is free to do what he ought. - Charles Kingsley

As Cay and I walked our trail one morning, I spied an odd tree. So, like Moses with the burning bush, I turned aside to see the unusual spectacle. The lower portion of the tree was twisted and scarred, but the trunk shot upward, straight and true. The evidence suggested that a vine had encircled the tree during its formative years, wrapping itself around the tender and vulnerable young trunk. However, at some point, the tree had been released from its captor’s grip and grew strong, taking off for new heights. Many of us have rough formative years. The vines of painful and destructive choices – sometimes ours and sometimes another’s – entangle us, stifling our growth. The good news is, the vines that capture us can be broken. Freedom is always an option. Paul reminds the Galatians and us, “For freedom, Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1) The vines that entangle us may leave painful scars, but they need not define or control us forever. Freedom in Christ provides a new life that reaches toward higher heights. Despite our histories, the best is yet to come.

Dan BolinPresidentRefueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

Leave it Behind

Nº 189 weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - March 15, 2022

Surely that man must be in an unhealthy state of soul who can think of all that Jesus suffered, and yet cling to those sins for which that suffering was undergone. It was sin that wove the crown of thorns; it was sin that pierced our Lord’s hands and feet and side; it was sin that brought Him to Gethsemane and Calvary, to the cross and to the grave. Cold must our hearts be if we do not hate sin and labor to get rid of it. - J.C. Ryle

In late January of 1781 General Cornwallis – with his large, well-trained, and well-equipped British army – chased General Greene and his small, ragtag army of frontiersmen and Continental soldiers across North Carolina toward Virginia. The incessant, cold winter rain turned the roads of North Carolina into impassable, muddy quagmires. To speed their pursuit and try to engage Greene’s army before it escaped into Virginia, Cornwallis ordered his men to rid themselves of all “superfluous baggage.” A huge bonfire consumed their wagons, supplies, tents, and even their rum! They only retained the essentials to live and fight. Fortunately, from an American perspective, Greene escaped across the Dan River hours before Cornwallis arrived, thwarting his planned attack and allowing the Americans time to regroup and resupply. The amazing part of the story is the willingness of the British soldiers to sacrifice their comforting yet non-essential baggage to achieve their goal. The writer of Hebrews calls us to a challenge similar to the one Cornwallis put before his men: “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.” (Hebrews 12:1b) Accept the challenge. Throw off whatever impedes your pursuit of God, your progress toward healthy relationships, and your advance toward righteousness.

Dan BolinPresidentRefueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

Lion Sized Perspective

Nº 188 weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - March 8, 2022

O God, I have tasted Thy goodness, and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more. I am painfully conscious of my need for further grace. I am ashamed of my lack of desire. O God, the Triune God, I want to want Thee; I long to be filled with longing; I thirst to be made more thirsty still. Show me Thy glory, I pray Thee, so that I may know Thee indeed. Begin in mercy a new work of love within me. Say to my soul, ‘Rise up my love, my fair one, and come away.’ Then give me grace to rise and follow Thee up from this misty lowland where I have wandered so long. - A. W. Tozer

Lord willing, I’ll turn 70 in July. As a present to myself, I’m re-reading the classic seven-book series The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis – one a month, January through July. To savor the experience, I try not to read more than one chapter a day, but I often fail.

Last month I enjoyed Prince Caspian. One of the many rich images that Lewis provides is an encounter between young Lucy and the great lion, Aslan, the Christ-figure in the story. Lucy and her siblings met and bonded with Aslan in the previous book, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. But at this meeting, he seemed different. Lucy said, “Aslan, you are bigger.” He replied, “That is because you are older, little one. . . Every year you grow, you will find me bigger.” Our perception of the infinite God expands as we get to know him. He never changes, but fortunately, we do and so does our perspective. That is why Peter challenges us to, “...grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18). As we grow in grace and knowledge of God, our awareness of who God is expands. Our growth enables us to see Him more fully.

Dan BolinPresidentRefueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

The Ultimate Sacrifice

Nº 187 weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - March 1, 2022

As we embark upon discipleship we surrender ourselves to Christ in union with his death—we give over our lives to death. Thus it begins; the cross is not the terrible end to an otherwise god-fearing and happy life, but it meets us at the beginning of our communion with Christ. When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die. - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

This week in 1836, 180 devoted fighters died in the Alamo. They sacrificed their lives for what they believed to be a worthy cause. More than 180 years later, numerous stories are emerging of gallant loyalty and courageous sacrifice in Ukraine. Many Ukrainians are willing to fight and die for a cause they believe in.

We admire the courage and sacrifice of the martyrs at the Alamo, and we marvel at the commitment and devotion of the valiant fighters in Ukraine. The call to sacrifice our lives for a noble cause resonates with us. We hope that we, too, would have the courage to lay down our lives for a desired outcome that is worthy of our allegiance.

In some ways, dying for a cause is easier than living for one. A one-time ultimate act seals our decision forever. Living for a cause demands that we recommit ourselves every day. Paul reminds the Christians in Rome – and us 2,000 years later – to “...present your bodies as a living sacrifice.”(Romans 12:1b)

A living sacrifice must remain committed. Every day temptations and fears call us to capitulate and run away. Loyalty requires a courageous allegiance to God every day of our lives.

Dan BolinPresidentRefueling in Flight Ministries, Inc