Dan Bolin's Blog, page 7

Second Chances

Nº 316

August 20, 2024

Manasseh was a bad person and a bad king. He led his nation into idolatry, sorcery, and even human sacrifice. The understated summary concludes, “he did much evil in the eyes of the Lord.” (2 Chronicles 33:6)

Despite his sacrilegious debauchery, God continued to reach out to Manasseh, but to no avail. “The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention.” (33:10) Eventually, the Assyrians invaded, destroying much of his kingdom. They “put a hook in his nose, bound him in bronze shackles, and took him to Babylon.” (33:11)

What Manasseh could not learn as a king he realized as a captive. “In his distress he sought the favor of the Lord.” (33:12) Despite his utterly wicked lifestyle, God graciously responded to his humbled heart. “The Lord was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea; so he brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom.” (33:13)

Our God is the God of second chances – and third and fourth and on and on. Our evil is probably no match for Manasseh’s wickedness. We should humbly ask for forgiveness and allow God’s grace to bring us back into a right relationship with Him.

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin

Author & President

Refueling in Flight Ministries

Water, Water, Everywhere

Nº 315

August 13, 2024

In my part of the world, drought conditions often arrive in mid-August. Officials plead for people to conserve water. As the drought worsens, regulations are established to limit water consumption and large fines levied against offenders.

Psalm 42 begins with a water shortage. “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” (Psalm 42:1-2a)

A few verses later, there is an abundance of water. The drought gives way to floodwater. “Deep calls to deep in your waterfalls; all your breakers have swept over me. By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me.” (Psalm 42:7-8a)

What is the difference? What changed the parched land into a place of abundant refreshment? Between the dry soul of verses 1-2 and the satisfaction of verses 7-8, we find verse 5: “Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” (Psalm 42:5)

When life seems dry and your soul is parched, remember verse 5. Put your hope in God. Allow the refreshment of His abundant love to cascade through your life, and let His songs fill your night.

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin

Author & President

Refueling in Flight Ministries

Finish Line

Nº 314

August 6, 2024

The best athletes in the world have run, jumped, tumbled, swum, cycled, wrestled, shot, and dove their way to Paris to compete in the Olympic Games. Table tennis, archery, volleyball, and shot putting are great; I love it all, but track is my favorite.

Maybe because I was always a slow runner – my coaches joked that they could time me with a calendar – or that I grew up in Oregon watching Steve Prefontaine, but I’ve always admired great runners.

The best athletes run with strategy and discipline. They start with skill, stay on pace, conserve energy, and then sprint to the end. In that last dash, they fix their attention on the finish line, and nothing else.

Paul used the imagery of track when he told the Philippians, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenly in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14)

The prize is found in the preceding verses: “That I may know him and the power of his resurrection.” (Philippians 3:10) We run the race to gain a greater knowledge of and deeper relationship with Jesus. The Christian life is a marathon. Avoid distractions and keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin

Author & President

Refueling in Flight Ministries

Storm Survival

Nº 313

July 30, 2024

A few months ago, tornados ripped through a friend’s neighborhood in the heartland of the USA. Trees and power poles collapsed, smashing houses and cars. The destruction was staggering.

Although everyone in the area had damaged property, the community pulled together to assist those harmed most severely. A group of neighbors used chain saws and tractors to remove four large oak trees blocking a widow’s driveway. Relief groups set up temporary feeding kitchens. A local church contributed money on Sunday morning to help those slammed by the twisters.

Storms blow into everyone’s life. We all face damage of one kind or another. Medical issues, financial problems, work challenges, and relational tensions are sure to come our way. When they do, remember the command that Paul gave the Galatians, and us: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) The law of Christ was issued at the Last Supper: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34)

Don’t back away from those in need. The storms of life provide opportunities for us to show Christ’s love and bear one another’s burdens.

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin

Author & President

Eternity Will Tell

Nº 312

July 23, 2024

A few weeks ago, I received an email from a lady who worked for me as a summer camp counselor in 1976 and 1977. Though we had not talked in over 40 years, she tracked me down to tell me that her granddaughter was currently a camper at our old camp.

Her email was filled with encouragement. She told about one of her campers (now 53) locating her and thanking her for explaining the Gospel that changed her life. She shared about her own decades of ministry service. And she was excited that her granddaughter was benefiting from a legacy she had helped establish.

Joy filled my heart!

The Apostle John outlived his fellow disciples. Near the end of his long and eventful life, he wrote a very short epistle, but he penned a verse that came to mind as I read my recent email. It gives me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth. (2 John 4)

We do not serve God and others to receive affirmation, but it is a joyful byproduct that appears from time-to-time. Take the initiative. Thank someone who contributed to your spiritual development, and bring joy to their heart.

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin

Author & President

Refueling in Flight Ministries

Dust Before Dinner

Nº 311

July 16, 2024

As a child I was taught the verse, “Behold I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20) I was told to become a Christian I needed to open the “door” and let Jesus into my life. Later I learned that the passage is addressed to believers, the Church at Laodicea. This verse is not about starting a relationship with Jesus but rather about maintaining a healthy life with him.

In my world, arriving early for a dinner party is a social faux pas. The host family needs every minute to vacuum, wash, dust, straighten, and hide the piles of accumulated clutter before opening the door.

Jesus knocks as a dinner guest but also as a skilled butler. He already knows all about our messy house, unwashed clothes, and dirty dishes. He is eager to sweep the floors, wash the dishes, and remove the trash.

Staying away from Jesus until we are presentable never works. Isolation is counterproductive. Open the door and let Him in. He can clean any embarrassing mess and is eager to share a meal.

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin

Author & President

Refueling in Flight Ministries

Don't Be a Drifter

Nº 310

July 9, 2024

Last month, Cay and I went on a 3,000-mile road trip visiting family and friends. I enjoy driving and never tire of seeing the diverse beauty of this grand country. Sometimes I enjoy it a little too much. Occasionally a far-off mountain or a sparkling stream captures my attention.

Someone anticipated my distractibility and installed grooved warning tracks along the edge of the highway. These noisy ruts alert me whenever I drift dangerously off the road.

Everyone drifts off course. How we respond is critical. Do we continue to veer into danger or course-correct back into the safety of God’s protective lane?

Paul told the Corinthians, who were prone to drift into danger, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you to be tempted beyond your ability, but with temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (I Corinthians 10:13)

When you find yourself drifting into worry, envy, lust, pride, greed, or whatever distraction captures your attention, heed God’s gracious warnings. Quickly adjust your course, avoid the dangers, and continue to move forward in the safe lane God provides.

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin

Author & President

Refueling in Flight Ministries

Glossofobia

Nº 309

July 2, 2024

While looking for some information on Independence Day I bumped into a list of odd celebrations. Someone has determined that July 2nd is Freedom from Fear of Speaking Day! Who knew?

Apparently, the Freedom from Fear of Speaking Day provides an opportunity for people to admit their fear, meet others who struggle speaking in front of groups, and encourage people to share tips on how to overcome their glossophobia (fear of public speaking).

Moses had glossophobia. From a burning bush, God commissioned Moses to deliver a message to Pharoah, but Moses balked. He replied, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent...I am slow of speech and of tongue.” (Exodus 4:10) Moses’ fear, related to an area of perceived weakness, incapacitated him.

God graciously provided Aaron, Moses’ brother, to do the talking. The real solution, however, was God’s promise of His presence: “I will be with your mouth.” (Exodus 4:15b)

Not everyone fears public speaking, but we all fear something. Whatever the fear, the solution is always the same – the promise of God’s presence. Whether glossophobia, ombrophobia, ephebiphobia, or hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia, God Himself promises to be with us. And as with Moses, God will use our area of weakness for His glory.

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin

Author & President

Smell Anything?

Nº 308

June 25, 2024

Fifty years ago, I spent my summer working at a local potato chip (crisps) factory. When I submitted my application, I was stunned by the noxious odor. The stench was a rare combination of rotten potatoes, boiling grease, diesel fumes, cleaning solvents, and who knows what.

A few weeks into the job, my nose didn’t detect a thing. I had become accustomed to the stinky smell around me.

It’s the same with life. We easily grow accustomed to the foul scent of this world and assume that’s just the way life is.

Psalm 1 reminds us to avoid becoming comfortable with, or oblivious to, the disgusting odors of this world. “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” (Psalm 1:1-2)

We all walk past noxious odors; that’s part of life. But we don’t have to stand nearby or sit in the middle of the stench. The Bible provides the refreshment we need. Stay sensitive and delight day and night in the pure fragrance of God’s word.

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin

Author & President

Refueling in Flight Ministries

Under the Tree

Nº 307

June 18, 2024

Jesus called an odd crew of misfits to be His disciples. John records Nathaniel’s call to follow Jesus in a cryptic conversation.

Jesus: “Behold an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.” (The phrase translated no deceit means nothing tricky or sneaky.)

Nathaniel: “How do you know me?”

Jesus: “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” (Throughout the Old Testament, fig trees are used as an image of peace and blessing. Jeremiah and Ezekiel also record idolatrous and immoral happenings that took place hidden under trees.)

Nathaniel: “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” (John 1:47b-49)

When Jesus said Nathaniel had no deceit, He may have been honestly complementing Nathaniel’s good character, or He may have been setting a trap. We don’t know what transpired under the fig tree. Maybe Nathaniel was behaving himself, or maybe something nefarious happened.

Whatever Jesus intended, the words stunned Nathaniel. He immediately recognized who Jesus was and proclaimed, “you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”

Whether we are in a good place or hiding our sin, Jesus calls us to recognize who He is and become His follower.

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin

Author & President

Refueling in Flight Ministries