Dan Bolin's Blog, page 4
March 17, 2025
Turn Around!
March 10, 2025
Blessed to Bless
March 3, 2025
Team Sport
March 4, 2025
Be united with other Christians. A wall with loose bricks is not good. The bricks must be cemented together. - Corrie Ten Boom
The old dead vine-covered tree was no match for the gusty wind that followed days of snow and rain. The tree toppled across the narrow country road Cay and I were traveling.
Fortunately, the pick-up truck in front of us carried two strong young men and an axe. From the other direction came another car with a helpful driver. From the line behind us came more willing helpers.
This small band of misfit workers tugged, pulled, pushed, and grunted until half the tree lay on the west side of the road and the other half on the east! The vines and broken limbs were cleared away and within a few minutes, traffic resumed its normal flow.
None of us could have moved the tree on our own. Two men with an axe might have eventually finished the job. But a small group working together finished the job quickly and safely.
Christianity is a team sport. The New Testament is filled with ‘one another’ commands. We are instructed to love, encourage, build up, teach, exhort, and “bear one another’s burdens.” (Galatians 6:2)
Whatever obstacle is blocking your way – or burdening your neighbor – work with others to clear the pathway and move forward together.
Excelsior,
Dan Bolin
Author & President
February 24, 2025
Power Test
Nº 342
February 25, 2025
Deny your weakness, and you will never realize God's strength in you. - Joni Eareckson Tada
Over the years I’ve taken a dozen or more tests to identify my personal strengths and weaknesses. The goal is always to use this knowledge to capitalize on my strengths and circumvent my weaknesses. These evaluations are insightful, valuable, and helpful.
However, sometimes God has another idea.
Three times Paul begged God to remove a weakness that tormented his life and seemingly limited his ministry. God responded with a simple, loving, and clarifying statement. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9a)
Based on that reality, Paul didn’t recheck his test score or complain that he wasn’t using his full potential. His reflective comment was, “Therefore, I will boast all the more about my weakness. So that Christ’s power may rest on me (12:9b). He ends the next verse with the reality, For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (12:10b)
We should all evaluate our aptitudes and use our gifts as best we can. However, life is challenging, and at times we feel outmatched by the obstacles in our way. We are not alone. Trust God. Rely on His strength. And watch God’s power accomplish great things we could never do ourselves.
Excelsior,
Dan Bolin
February 17, 2025
Use it or Lose it
Nº 341
February 18, 2025
Not to use our gift is an affront to God’s wisdom, a rebuff of His love and grace, and a loss to His church. We did not determine our gift, deserve it, or earn it. But we all have a gift from the Lord, and if we do not use it, His work is weakened, and His heart is grieved. - John MacArthur
George Washington’s grand estate, Mount Vernon, had fallen into disrepair. Sixty years after his death, mismanagement, neglect, and the ravages of time left the venerable mansion and grounds dilapidated and deteriorating.
In 1859, a group of ladies – alarmed that this historic treasure would soon decay beyond restoration – raised the astounding sum of $200,000 and purchased the mansion and 200 acres. For 165 years, the Mount Vernon Ladies Association has managed the estate, with ongoing preservation and restoration projects. Every year they provide inspirational and educational experiences for a million guests.
Neglect will always lead to disrepair. It is true with mansions, and it is true with our spiritual gifts as well.
Paul warns his young friend Timothy, “Do not neglect your gift which was given to you through a prophetic message” (I Timothy 4:14). Timothy’s gift was special and significant, but we all receive gifts we should employ as we serve God.
Our spiritual strength atrophies from disuse; neglecting our gifts will only lead to decline and ineptitude. Mount Vernon needs ongoing attention and care, but valuable activity keeps it in better condition than decades of disuse.
Exercise your spiritual gift today and avoid the problems that inevitably accompany neglect.
Excelsior,
Dan Bolin
Author & President
February 10, 2025
The Love Solution
Nº 340
February 11, 2025
If God should have no more mercy on us than we have charity to one another, what would become of us? - Thomas Fuller
This week we celebrate Valentine’s Day. This holiday commemorates romantic love but also reminds us of the significance of the love that should engulf all Christian relationships.
Peter describes some essential activities Christians should pursue as we await Christ’s return. One of those is love. “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)
As best I understand how a gasoline-powered car works, the pistons move back and forth within the cylinders. The faster the pistons move, the faster the car goes. As the cylinders and pistons do their jobs, they rub against each other and create dangerous and damaging heat. To resolve the problem, oil is introduced. The lubrication allows each part to do its job with a tolerable amount of heat.
We all bump up against others, and some people rub us the wrong way. We can get offended, or we can allow the “oil” of love to cool the situation and cover the sinful actions that could easily heat up and distract us from our calling.
Life is too short to be consumed by angry, petty conflicts. Let the oil of love sooth hurt feelings and eliminate the friction in our lives.
Excelsior,
Dan Bolin
Author & President
February 3, 2025
Worth Dying For
Nº 340
February 4, 2025
On February 4, 1555 – 470 years ago – John Rogers became the first martyr under the reign of Mary Tudor (Bloody Mary).
Rogers, a pastor and scholar, was best known for his work helping to provide the Bible in common English. Some historians say he compiled the works of others while some believe he translated the scripture on his own. Whatever the case, the 1,500 copies of his Matthew Bible paved the way for the Authorized Version (King James Version) 30 years later.
When young King Edward VI died, his older sister Mary ascended to the throne of England. For theological, political, financial, and personal reasons, Mary turned the table on the reforms of her deceased protestant brother and purged her kingdom of those she perceived to be a threat or afront to her reign. On February 4th Rogers became the first of almost 300 martyrs during Mary’s five-year reign.
Today – with Bibles on our shelves, phones, and computers – we take for granted the book that others died to advance. Peter reminds us of its value and benefit, “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation.” (I Peter 2:2)
Excelsior,
Dan Bolin
Author & President
January 27, 2025
King for a Day
Nº 339
January 28, 2025
Jesus Christ is ... not merely a king, but King of kings and Lord of lords. Thus when you confess that “Jesus Christ is Lord” you at once confess His incarnation and His Messiahship and His lordship, sealed by His glorious resurrection as He now forever reigns. - Kent Hughes
Isaac and Rebecca’s twin sons established powerful nations. Jacob’s descendants became the Israelites and Esau’s family became the Edomites. Genesis 36 contains an odd listing of Edom’s rulers. Seven times this pattern is repeated: “Bela died, and Jobab reigned in his place.” Then “Jobab died and Husham reigned in his place.” Following in turn, Hadad, Samlah, Shaul, Baal-hanan, and Hadar each had his moment of glory before giving way to the next ruler. (Genesis 36: 33-39)
King after king ruled, died, and was buried. Power, wealth, influence, and authority slipped between their cold, arthritic fingers and into the grasp of young, eager hands.
This litany of rulers reminds us that every powerful person in our world has a shelf life. For better or worse, our mortality brings the power of every mighty leader to an end. Alexander the Great, Genghis Kahn, Napoleon, Hitler, Moa, and all the rest ruled, died, and were buried.
Fortunately, our hope rests not in rulers who come and go. Our allegiance resides in the King of kings who died, was buried, yet rose again. Despite the transient nature of earthly rulers, the Psalmist reminds us, “God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne.” (Psalm 47:8)
Excelsior,
Dan Bolin
Author & President
January 20, 2025
Double Trouble
Nº 338
January 21, 2025
God searches the heart and understands every motive. To be acceptable to Him, our motives must spring from a love for Him and a desire to glorify Him. - Jerry Bridges
At the beginning of human history, God gave Adam one simple command. “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day you eat of it you shall surly die.” (Genesis 2:17)
As we all know, Adam and Eve failed to obey this command, and we have paid the price ever since.
Adam and Eve made two critical errors that we repeat today. First, they disobeyed God’s clear command. Their actions do not appear belligerent or rebellious. They just lacked the conviction to do the right thing. They preferred to satisfy their curiosity and avoid offending the snake.
Second, Eve responded to Satan’s nefarious temptation by affirming God’s command, but then she added an embellishing comment: “and you must not touch it.” (Genesis 3:3)
Approaching God’s commands with indifference or disrespect is license. A cavalier response to God's clear instructions always carries painful consequences. Reframing God’s commands with burdensome additions is legalism. And legalism becomes the weighty idol of superior spirituality.
Don’t eat from trees that are off limits. And don’t create burdens God never intended us to bear.
Excelsior,
Dan Bolin
Author & President
Registration is now open!
Back again and better than ever - registration is now open for the 2025 Men's Fishing Adventure. With our new location on the trout-infested White River near Cotter, Arkansas we anticipate a quick sell out. In addition to great fishing, bible studies will be led by Dan Bolin and Dallas Holm will give a private concert. Options include one or two days of guided fishing.
Act today and hold your spot!
View Here: Pictures and recap videos from past years
January 13, 2025
Answer the Door: Become More Christ-like
Nº 337
January 14, 2025
To become Christ-like is the only thing in the whole world worth caring for, the thing before which every ambition of man is folly and all lower achievement vain. - Henry Drummond
Would you like to be more Christ-like in 2025? Most of us would probably say “Yes!” However, when we affirm that desire, we admit that there are things in our lives that need to change.
Early in Revelation, the Apostle John records God’s assessment of seven churches. Many he commends for their excellent work or character, but he also points out areas where they need improvement. After affirming the churches of Pergamum and Thyatira he says, “Nevertheless, I have a few things against you.” (Revelation 2:14, 20)
We all have things we do well and areas that need improvement.
The concluding comment reads, “...be earnest and repent. Here I am, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:19-20)
This passage is not about beginning a relationship with God; it is about deepening and strengthening an existing relationship. If we truly want to be more Christ-like in 2025, we must turn away from our ignoble desires and distractions, accept Jesus’ invitation to participate in the routines of our lives, and enjoy spending time with the One we strive to emulate.
Excelsior,
Dan Bolin
Author & President
Refueling in Flight Ministries
