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